Global population growth, technology, and Malthusian constraints: A quantitative growth theoretic perspective

Joint Program Report
Global population growth, technology, and Malthusian constraints: A quantitative growth theoretic perspective
Lanz, B., S. Dietz and T. Swanson (2015)
Joint Program Report Series, 44 p.

Report 283 [Download]

Abstract/Summary:

Revised May 2016

How much will the global population expand, can all these extra mouths be fed, and what is the role in this story of economic growth? We structurally estimate a two-sector Schumpeterian growth model with endogenous population and finite land reserves to study the long-run evolution of global population, technological progress and the demand for food. The estimated model closely replicates trajectories for world population, GDP, sectoral productivity growth and crop land area from 1960 to 2010. Projections from 2010 onwards show a slowdown of technological progress, and, because it is a key determinant of fertility costs, significant population growth. By 2100 global population reaches 12.4 billion and agricultural production doubles, but the land constraint does not bind because of capital investment and technological progress.

Citation:

Lanz, B., S. Dietz and T. Swanson (2015): Global population growth, technology, and Malthusian constraints: A quantitative growth theoretic perspective. Joint Program Report Series Report 283, 44 p. (http://globalchange.mit.edu/publication/16212)
  • Joint Program Report
Global population growth, technology, and Malthusian constraints: A quantitative growth theoretic perspective

Lanz, B., S. Dietz and T. Swanson

Report 

283
44 p.
2016

Abstract/Summary: 

Revised May 2016

How much will the global population expand, can all these extra mouths be fed, and what is the role in this story of economic growth? We structurally estimate a two-sector Schumpeterian growth model with endogenous population and finite land reserves to study the long-run evolution of global population, technological progress and the demand for food. The estimated model closely replicates trajectories for world population, GDP, sectoral productivity growth and crop land area from 1960 to 2010. Projections from 2010 onwards show a slowdown of technological progress, and, because it is a key determinant of fertility costs, significant population growth. By 2100 global population reaches 12.4 billion and agricultural production doubles, but the land constraint does not bind because of capital investment and technological progress.