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1960 Doomsday paper predicts population collapse by 2026

Original: Doomsday: Friday, 13 November, A.D. 2026 (1960)

A 1960 study published in Science by researchers at the University of Illinois projected that unchecked population growth would reach infinite density on Friday, 13 November 2026. The satirically titled 'Doomsday' paper used a mathematical model showing human population doubling ever faster. Its prediction date has now arrived, drawing renewed attention to the work and its warnings about exponential growth.

Why now: The doomsday date the paper calculated, 13 November 2026, is approaching or has arrived, prompting fresh interest.

ScienceUniversity of IllinoisHeinz von Foerster

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