Watch Don't Panic: The Truth About Population

Don't Panic: The Truth About Population is a riveting documentary series that explores the current and future population challenges of the world. The show, which aired in 2013, is hosted by the globally renowned Swedish medical doctor, academic, and public speaker Hans Rosling.

The series is a visual recount of Hans Rosling's famous TED Talks which have been viewed by millions of people worldwide. In Don't Panic, he examines the topic of population demographics from a wide-angle lens, exploring all the complex factors that are shaping our global demographics today, and will shape them in the future.

From the beginning, the show offers an optimistic outlook. Rather than being alarmist, it offers important context and information to counteract the panic that many people feel when they consider the world's growing population. Throughout the series, Rosling offers surprising insights and data to counteract the sensationalist media stories that we've all become so accustomed to.

One of the key themes of the series is that the world's population will continue to increase in the years to come, but it is the rate of increase that is important. While there is no denying that overpopulation can cause severe problems, such as environmental degradation, hunger, and poverty, the hopeful message that Rosling conveys is that the rate of population growth has, in fact, been slowing down globally for decades.

Using his trademark entertaining style of presentation, Rosling employs innovative graphics and infographics to give a clear picture of how the world's population has changed and what we can expect in the future. He compares countries across the world, exploring why some populations are booming while others are barely maintaining their numbers.

One of the most compelling parts of Don't Panic is the way that the show tackles the topic of urbanization. Rosling paints a vivid picture of life in today's megacities, making it clear just how important they have become to the world's population. He shows why cities are so attractive to people, and how they provide opportunities in terms of jobs, education, healthcare, and more.

Rosling explores the challenges that cities face, such as overcrowding, poor infrastructure, pollution, and poverty. He stakes the claim that cities ought to be seen as the solution to many of the world's problems, finally putting the myth that they're simply 'breeding grounds' to rest.

The series also tackles some of the most contentious issues of our time, such as immigration and aging populations. Rosling shows how immigration is vital to keeping populations stable while debunking common myths about who immigrants are and why they move to different countries. One of the less optimistic parts of the series examines an aging population, demonstrating how it is a problem as serious as overpopulation, but with its own set of solutions.

In addition to the more serious topics addressed in the series, Rosling also manages to lighten the mood from time to time. The show includes several funny moments, such as when Rosling compares the number of births in the world to the number of cell phones, showing that there are more cell phones in the world.

Don't Panic: The Truth About Population is a comprehensive and engrossing look at one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. While it acknowledges the challenges, the show's message is overwhelmingly positive, as Rosling demonstrates that, with the right solutions, we can tackle these challenges and create a brighter future for all of us. The series is an essential watch for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the world and the complex systems that shape us.