In the economics of population growth, as in physics, common sense can lead one astray. Indeed, common sense is more dangerous here than in physics because one is less willing to acknowledge that one's daily experience does not apply than with respect to high speeds or small particles. The theory of impending scarcity is falsified by all the data from the past. Population growth and increase of income expand demand, forcing up prices of natural resources. The increased prices and the opportunities for productive research trigger the search for new supplies.
Most seekers fail, but eventually some succeed, and new sources and substitutes are found.
These discoveries leave humanity better off than if the shortages had not occurred. Hence human beings create more than they destroy, on balance. Even if the warning is wrong, I do not criticize unless the warner is willfully ignorant or dishonest. But some forecasts are knowingly exaggerated or false. That, of course, entails getting loads of media coverage.