It’s also weird that the article starts with something caused by this trend which is either generally, or universally, considered good - fewer wars - and then,

It’s also weird that the article starts with something caused by this trend which is either generally, or universally, considered good - fewer wars - and then, without comment or explanation (other than a throwaway line about the sound of children), postulates the trend is bad. The example he opens the article with (!) implies there’s some upside. EDIT: I can name two - less war and a damper on climate change, especially if pausing to figure out solutions with a lower global population will lead to a larger, permanent, global “carrying capacity” later.