Overpopulation actually is not the cause of the world’s environmental woes. To say so would be to deny the notion that humans can live sustainably. Nevertheless, the idea that the world is overpopulated has gained a lot of traction — and has led to disastrous policy decisions around the world intended to limit population growth.

This week, The Sweaty Penguin explores where the idea of overpopulation originated, why the idea is misguided and actually damaging, and what some more pertinent population dynamics might be. With special guest Dr. Jennifer Sciubba, Associate Professor of International Studies at Rhodes College and Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson Center.