66 years ago, three scientists calculated that November 13, 2026, would be the end of humanity

The article discusses a 1960 prediction by researchers from the University of Illinois regarding human population growth. They theorized that communication abilities allow humans to form coalitions, which could mitigate environmental threats and support population growth. Their calculations suggested that if trends continued, the population would reach unsustainable levels by 2026. However, they recommended reducing birth rates to avoid this scenario. Recent data shows a decline in global fertility rates, contradicting the prediction, with estimates indicating a peak population of 10.3 billion by the mid-2080s, followed by a gradual decline.