Last minute: The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported that the world population reached 8 billion people as of November 15. According to the report published by UNFPA, it is estimated that the world population will reach 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050 and 10.4 billion in 2100.
While the rate of population growth in the world is slowing, the population is expected to continue to increase until 2100.
The rate of increase in the world population, which has been decreasing since the 1970s, fell below 1 percent (annual) for the first time in 2020.
While it takes about 12 years for the world to rise from 7 billion to 8 billion people, it is expected to take about 14.5 years (until 2037) to reach the next billion.
Population growth in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to account for more than half of global growth by 2050, due to high fertility rates.
POPULATION DECLINES IN SOUTH EUROPE AND EAST ASIA
While the decrease in the population in more and more countries is emerging as a new reality, it is predicted that there will be an increase in the number of countries facing a decrease in the active population in the future.
Today, there are 17 countries with fewer populations than in 1990, all of which are in Eastern Europe. There are also some countries in Southern Europe and East Asia where the population is declining.
Globally, depopulation is due to low and declining fertility rates and high levels of immigration in European countries most affected by depopulation.
POPULATION GROWTH CONTINUES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
As the world’s population rose from 7 billion to 8 billion, the majority of population growth occurred in lower-middle and low-income countries, while only 250 million increase occurred in upper-middle and high-income countries.
Of the next 8 to 9 billion people added to the world’s population, 920 million are projected to live in lower-middle and low-income countries.
HALF OF THE NEW CREATORS OF 1 BILLION ARE FROM ASIAN
This year, China’s population is expected to peak and then begin to decline. It is estimated that by 2023, India will surpass China as the “most populous country in the world”.
The UN has announced that while the world’s population has increased from 7 billion to 8 billion, half of those who make up the new 1 billion are from Asia.
Africa is the second largest region of population growth (almost 400 million), with the African population expected to reach 2 billion by 2038.
It is estimated that Europe’s contribution to population growth will be negative in the coming period.
India was by far the largest contributor to the world population reaching 8 billion from 7 billion (177 million), followed by China (73 million) and Nigeria (60 million), respectively.
The overall slowdown in population growth is expected to affect economic growth as well, as the proportion of working-age people increases.
More than half of the population growth from 7 billion to 8 billion can be attributed to the increase in the adult population (30-64). On the other hand, of the next billion (between the 8th and the 9th billion), more than 400 million are predicted to be individuals over the age of 65.
UN MENTIONS THE OPPORTUNITIES AS WELL AS THE CHALLENGES GENERATED BY INCREASING POPULATION
Emphasizing that today (November 15) is both a turning point and a moment of awareness for humanity, the UN also draws attention to the challenges and opportunities facing the global community.
The UN invites all countries to work together to build a more equal world where each individual of the 8 billion people can enjoy the same rights and choices.
Pointing out that there is a success story behind the 8 billion population, the UN mentions that progress has been made in health services, such as prolonging the quality of life and length of life, and reducing maternal and child mortality.
The UN also emphasizes that technological innovations make life easier and connect people more than ever before.
KEY CONCERNS CONTINUE
The main concerns and challenges that were voiced 11 years ago when the world reached 7 billion people remain, such as climate change, violence and discrimination.
While the climate crisis and the disproportionate use of natural resources increase existing inequalities and vulnerabilities; armed conflicts and migration breed violence and discrimination.
While more than 100 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced today, not all societies benefit equally from developments in health.
(AA)