What is the best case scenario for our race if...

[Myasishchev]

I agree, although once the point of saturation is reached, I would imagine there would be a profound difference in technological innovation between four billion and eight billion--and probably not even a linear one.

On the other hand, maybe our robot overlords will have taken over R+D by then.

 

[KJbushway]

Can't wait for that time.
Slowing down of the population isn't that bad. Its on the decline now, but once you see less and less 3rd world countries, our numbers will soar again, putting strains on already low resources. So putting a birth limit law of say 2, wouldn't decrease the population, but stablize it until that country can get its stuff together.

 

[sojourner]

but once you see less and less 3rd world countries, our numbers will soar again

As was said earlier in the thread, third world countries tend to have high population growth. It's the first world countries who stabilize. And while the rate of population growth may be slowing globally, the population of earth is still growing.

 

[KJbushway]

When people feel comfortable they have children. growing countries still have high birth rates in the beginning, when they slow down the growth and become like 1900 amercia, then the population stablizes.

 

[sojourner]

That's basically what I said. third world countries (growing countries as you say it) have high growth rates. first world countries (america as you say it) have low growth rates. Though in the 1900's through the early 20th century america's population was still growing at a fantastic rate.

 

[KJbushway]

Sure will.