After the Spike

With stunning clarity, Spears and Geruso show why our assumptions about population, progress and prosperity are leading us astray. If you want to understand where humanity is going, and why that matters, this book is essential reading – Daniel H. Pink, author of DriveFascinating, thoughtful and timely. In ten years, everyone will be talking about global demographic decline and what to do about it – Simon Johnson, Nobel Laureate in EconomicsSpears and Geruso take us by the hand to understand the most dramatic period of human history – and what could happen next. The insights and rigour – which come thick and fast – are matched by human and empathetic narrative throughout – Hannah Ritchie, author of Not the End of the WorldSpears and Geruso meticulously take apart all the myths and confusion surrounding the incoming demographic changes for our species. I had my mind blown over and over and over – Zach Weinersmith, co-author of A City on MarsA remarkable blend of empirical research and philosophical argument that has challenged, and changed, my thinking about population – Peter Singer, author of Animal LiberationAfter the Spike reveals how humanity has come to a profound turning point in its history and dissolves our preconceptions about population through evidence, rigour, and a deep compassion for all – Toby Ord, author of The PrecipiceAs stirring as it is thoughtful, rigorous and morally uncompromising. After the Spike shows why a stable population is not just compatible with climate action, gender equality and a higher, equitably-distributed standard of living, but why it may just be their necessary condition – Anastasia Berg, author of What Are Children For?The most interesting and important book I’ve read in years, packed with eye-opening and surprising facts – Katy Milkman, author of How to ChangeA fascinating introduction to one of the most important policy questions of our time. This engaging, informative book will make you question what you have heard about population. With depth and nuance, it shows how parenting can be reclaimed as a progressive cause – Maya Eden, co-editor of Economics and PhilosophyI don’t agree with every suggestion in this book of course, but I think it offers up some interesting and important conversations that we’d do well to take seriously. And a world in which parenting is easier would be a huge improvement! – Bill McKibben, author of Here Comes the SunAn important book. Demography is destiny; Spears and Geruso tell a surprising story and show us how to shape that destiny for a sustainable, flourishing world – Anne-Marie Slaughter, author of Why Women Still Can’t Have It AllSpears and Geruso present a clear-eyed and compassionate argument about what we have to lose – not just from the worldwide drop in births already underway, but also from harmful and counterproductive attempts to boost births by coercing women’s and couple’s childbearing decisions – Diana Greene Foster, professor of obstetrics, gynaecology and reproductive sciences at the University of California, San FranciscoThe poet Robert Frost pondered whether the end would come from fire or ice, but After the Spike argues it may come from people simply choosing not to have children. In this sharp and engaging book, Spears and Geruso make the case for people – and how we must respond to the existential threat of depopulation – Lant Pritchett, former professor of the Practice of International Development, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard UniversityWhat an eye-opener: Spears and Geruso masterfully weave together demographic data, economic theory, and vital moral insights into a gripping tale of loss to come. They explain why it matters so much that we find a better path – Dr. Richard Y. Chappell, author of Parfit’s Ethics

Dean Spears and Michael Geruso are economists, demographers and associate professors at the University of Texas at Austin. Spears is a founding executive director of r.i.c.e, a nonprofit that works to promote children’s health, growth and survival in rural India. Geruso served as a senior economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers under President Biden, where he advised on healthcare and population change. Their research on health, population, and climate change has been published in top peer-reviewed journals and featured in publications such as The New York Times, Economist and National Geographic.