Unfortunately, this piece takes an important topic and turns it into a "he said, she said" piece. Since the author doesn't quote any facts or figures from either side to support their assertions, it's hard to evaluate their claims. And Cheng fails to do so either. In addition, Cheng neglects the opportunity to tie the discussion into other well-reported environmental issues. For example, the linked story talks about how climate change will impact the world's ability to feed the existing population. This would seem a natural link to the report on a need to control population growth.

The story gets credit for a rare courage to face the silent elephant in the room, that human overpopulation of the planet is aiding and accelerating global climate change, not to mention a great extinction of species and acidification of the oceans. The story gets demerits for the uninformed critics Cheng managed to dredge up for counter arguments.