Overview

• Heinz von Foerster’s 1960 model extrapolated human population growth to a demographic singularity around 2026.9, roughly November 13, 2026.
• The equation assumed uninterrupted growth with no natural disasters or conflicts disrupting the trajectory.
• Specialists say a collapse on that date is unlikely because global population growth has slowed in recent decades.
• Family-planning policies, technological change and environmental factors have reduced the model’s accuracy over time.
• The renewed attention is being used to refocus debate on sustainability and how to balance population, resources and development.