Part 3/11:
History provides frightening examples of population collapses; some historians argue that by the 17th century, the world had already suffered a population decrease of a third. The black death wiped out half of Europe's population in the 14th century. Even more shocking are events like the decimation of the Native American population during European colonization, wherein estimates suggest 90% of them perished. The implications of population collapse are compelling, particularly as experts warn that the 21st century is poised for another steep decline in numbers—a drop that could far exceed any that has happened before.