Can Australia escape the global fertility crisis?

Not too long ago, the world was worried about runaway population growth. But with birth rates falling too fast, the scramble is on to avoid the demographic crunch.

Birth rates are plumetting around the world. Getty

Myriam RobinSenior writer

Updated Jul 25, 2025 – 3.39pm, first published at 12.18pm

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If civilisation is measured in numbers – how many people whose biological flourishing it enables – peak humanity is closer than you think.

Across the world, in countries rich and not-yet-rich, birth rates are falling, and fast.

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Myriam RobinSenior writerMyriam Robin is a senior writer based in the Melbourne newsroom. She has previously been a Rear Window columnist and editor, and before that reported on financial markets and media.