Part 2/9:
Dr. Steve points out that a thriving civilization relies on a consistent birthrate that meets or exceeds the replacement level—approximately 2.1 children per couple. This figure accounts for infant mortality and ensures that the population remains stable over generations. Currently, many developed nations are falling far below this threshold. Countries like South Korea, Japan, and numerous European nations are experiencing fertility rates well under the 2.1 mark, signaling a troubling trend of population decline.