4 days ago
Falling birth rates have become a global flashpoint. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has warned that civilization could weaken if people stop having children, arguing that shrinking populations threaten long-term economic strength.
But inside a Reddit thread claiming the planet is already overcrowded, one reply cut through the noise.
"52 year old white male born and raised in Texas … and I agree with you. There are WAY too many humans now," he commented.
He didn't cite demographic models. He pointed to what he said he's watched disappear.
"Since I was a kid I have seen species disappear. Fireflies, Horned Lizards, Bumblebees, etc."
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Then the line that reframed the debate:
"I have told all my children to apologize for us in 30 or 40 years when I am gone."
He ended bluntly: "The Human race is screwed. Hopefully the plants and animals will survive… but I doubt it."
The Fireflies Aren't Just Nostalgia
His examples aren't imaginary.
According to Yale Environment 360, firefly populations are in steep decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, light pollution and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Firefly Specialist Group has found that roughly one in three assessed North American firefly species faces extinction risk.
Texas horned lizards have ...
