According to the World Population Prospects 2022 released on July 11th by the United Nations Department of Economics and Social Affairs, the global population is projected to reach 8 billion on November 15th, 2022.
The UN report also projected India to surpass China as the world’s most populous country next year.
Since 1950, the global population has been growing at its slowest rate and has fallen under one percent in 2020. A recent report estimates that the world’s population could reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and 9.7 billion by 2050.
“This year’s World Population Day (11th July) falls during a milestone year, when we anticipate the birth of the Earth’s eight billionth inhabitant. This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognize our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates,” Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary- General said. (PTI)
“At the same time, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another,” he added.
🌟NEW! Don’t miss the latest on the #PeopleOfTomorrow!#UNPopulation will release the latest on the world’s population trends.
In what parts of the world will we see more people being born? Where can we see a decline?
Find out by tuning into https://t.co/qDYNaEqjH5 at 12 noon ET! pic.twitter.com/Pshf66RBjm— UN DESA (@UNDESA) July 11, 2022
The report mentions that “India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country during 2023.” It further observes that more than half of the increase is due to Asia’s demographic expansion, followed by Africa.
Global challenges such as pandemics, rising geopolitical tensions, climate change, etc., are acute and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable sections of society. Forcing thousands of people into poverty, where basic necessities of life are not met, increasing food insecurity, and a lack of access to health care and primary education.
Despite all the odds, the world has made significant advances in healthcare. Global life expectancy at birth reached 72.8 years in 2019, an improvement of approximately nine years since 1990.
“This is a success story, not a doomsday scenario. Our world, despite its challenges, is one where higher shares of people are educated and live healthier lives than at any previous point in history,” Dr Natalia Kanem, the Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), said.
“Focusing exclusively on population totals and growth rates misses the point—and often leads to coercive and counterproductive measures and the erosion of human rights. In fact, people are the solution, not the problem. Experience shows that investing in people, in their rights and choices, is the path to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable society,” she added. (UNFPA)