The "we're fucked" vs "we'll be grand" alconomics

Alan and I continued at home the debate started in the pub. 
My belief was that global population growth versus global food production was the recipe for a grim future. 
He begged to differ and showed me the highly theatrical findings of a Swedish academic on speed who did nothing to alleviate my fears. 

Alan is all for optimism. He showed me that the population growth is going to slow down. I kept hammering that we are a giant rabbit warren on the verge of overheating with myxomatosis pretty close in our advent calendar. 

Mrs Raheny was absolutely thrilled that we discussed food shortages long into the night.
While eating fistfuls of peanuts washed down with Petit Chablis...