Timothy W. Maier

In the following viewpoint, Timothy W. Maier, a writer for Insight on the News, contends that warnings of impending disasters caused by overpopulation are merely the unfounded threats of overzealous “doomsayers.” In the author’s view, past predictions that overpopulation would lead to famine, global warming, and worse living conditions have been grossly inaccurate; food production, environmental problems, and living conditions have all improved in the last century. Nevertheless, says Maier, pessimists continue to frighten the public with spurious claims that a global disaster is imminent.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Maier’s view, what are some of the motives of those who propagate doomsday predictions?
2. What does Ben Wattenberg feel is the major problem with Paul Ehrlich’s predictions about overpopulation, as...