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Population growth was another factor Hawking believed could increase the risk of global disaster. As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for food, water, energy, and natural resources.
Overpopulation can place enormous pressure on ecosystems and infrastructure. Forests may be cleared for agriculture, oceans may be overfished, and freshwater supplies can become strained. These environmental stresses can contribute to conflicts and humanitarian crises.
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### Why Hawking Looked Toward Space