The world’s population is now 7.7 billion. As we grapple with a global pandemic and the worsening problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental destruction, many researchers argue that it’s time to confront how our own rising numbers factor in, and examine our assumptions about the relationship between population growth and economic stability. New Scientist went in search of meaningful answers to a uniquely contentious question: are there just too many of us on the planet? Read