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 Drive
Fascinating, 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 Economics
Spears 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 World
Spears 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 Mars
A remarkable blend of empirical research and philosophical argument that has challenged, and changed, my thinking about population -- Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation
After 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 Precipice
As 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 Change
A 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 Philosophy
I 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 Sun

Dean Spears (Author)
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.

Mike Geruso (Author)
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.