Too many people and not enough jobs?

Is there a fear that their will be too many people and not enough jobs? This is a common question that many people ask when they hear about the rapid growth of population and automation. In this blog post, I will explore some of the facts and myths behind this question and offer some possible solutions for the future.

First of all, let’s look at some of the data. According to the United Nations, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, an increase of 26% from the current level of 7.7 billion. On the other hand, according to a report by McKinsey, up to 375 million workers worldwide could be displaced by automation by 2030, which is about 14% of the global workforce.

However, these numbers do not tell the whole story. While some jobs may be lost due to automation, new jobs may also be created as a result of technological innovation and economic growth. For example, the emergence of the internet and e-commerce has created millions of jobs in sectors such as software development, digital marketing, online retailing, and logistics. Moreover, some jobs may be augmented by automation rather than replaced by it, as workers can use machines to enhance their productivity and skills.

Therefore, the fear that there will be too many people and not enough jobs may be exaggerated or unfounded. Instead of worrying about the future, we should focus on preparing for it. Some of the possible ways to do so are:

• Investing in education and lifelong learning to equip workers with the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to changing labor markets and new technologies.
• Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation to foster new industries and opportunities for employment and income generation.
• Enhancing social protection and safety nets to support workers who are affected by job displacement or transition, and to reduce poverty and inequality.
• Encouraging cooperation and dialogue among governments, employers, workers, and civil society to address the challenges and opportunities of population growth and automation in a fair and sustainable manner.

In conclusion, there is no need to fear that there will be too many people and not enough jobs. Rather, we should embrace the changes that are happening in our world and work together to create a better future for ourselves and our children.