Ehrlich vs. Simon: Population Debate

In 1980, Paul Ehrlich and Julian Simon bet on whether the earth would run out of resources due to population growth. Ehrlich, drawing from Malthus, predicted resource scarcity and famine, while Simon argued that human ingenuity would prevent such crises. They wagered on the price of five metals over a decade. Despite population growth, metal prices fell, making Simon the winner. Today, the focus has shifted from overpopulation to equitable resource distribution and sustainable practices.

What was the main concern of Paul Ehrlich regarding population growth?

• Depletion of natural resources

• Economic decline

• Increased pollution levels

• Starvation due to faster population growth than food supply

Which economist's ideas did Paul Ehrlich draw from for his predictions?

• Adam Smith

• John Maynard Keynes

• Thomas Malthus

• David Ricardo

What did Julian Simon find when analyzing historical data on population growth?

• A rise in unemployment rates

• No correlation with a decrease in living standards

• A decrease in living standards

• A direct correlation with increased pollution

What was Julian Simon's optimistic claim about human ingenuity?

• It would lead to economic decline

• It would always find alternatives for diminishing resources

• It would increase pollution

• It would cause overpopulation

What was the main focus of the bet between Ehrlich and Simon?

• The price of five metals over a decade

• The level of pollution in major cities

• The global population growth rate

• The number of famines occurring worldwide

What broader debate did the feud between Ehrlich and Simon touch upon?

• The ethics of scientific research

• The impact of globalization

• Environmental protection versus economic growth

• The role of technology in society

What was the outcome of the bet regarding the price of metals?

• The prices fluctuated unpredictably

• The prices were unaffected by population growth

• The prices remained stable or decreased

• The prices increased significantly

What does the modern understanding suggest about the causes of starvation and famine?

• Overpopulation as the primary cause

• Inequitable distribution of resources

• Insufficient global resources

• Lack of technological advancement

What is now considered a more viable solution to environmental degradation?

• Increasing industrial output

• Limiting population growth

• Replacing unsustainable technologies with sustainable ones

• Reducing economic growth

What was the final action taken by Paul Ehrlich in relation to the bet?

• He challenged Simon to another bet

• He sent a check to Julian Simon

• He wrote a public apology

• He published a new book