Nate Hagens, an expert in ecological economics, would define 'population growth' as the increase in the number of individuals within a specified region or globally over a given period. This growth, driven by factors such as higher birth rates, lower mortality rates, and migration, places increasing demands on Earth's finite resources. Hagens emphasizes the interconnectedness of population dynamics with energy consumption, resource depletion, and ecological sustainability. He underscores that exponential population growth exacerbates challenges in maintaining ecological balance and social stability, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable lifestyles and policies. According to Hagens, understanding the implications of population growth is crucial for addressing the broader systemic issues that impact humanity's resilience and long-term survival.

See also: exponential growth, carrying capacity, ecological economics, economic growth