The world’s population has surpassed 7.2 billion people, according to the latest official count by the United Nations. This number includes a possible deviation of five percent. Projections now estimate that by the year 2100, the world’s population will grow by another five billion to reach 12.3 billion people. This milestone was reached four years ago in October 2011, and since then, the world’s population has continued to grow. The UN’s current forecast predicts that this number will increase by another five billion people within the next 86 years, which is already a rather pessimistic estimate.
Patrick Gerland, Ph.D. Population Studies of the UN in New York, has released a report that describes the current and official estimate of the United Nations. Thanks to modern statistical methods, the study predicts that the world’s population will continue to grow throughout the entire century. Previous projections had predicted an increase of two billion people, but the current values describe a possible variance between 9.6 and 12.3 billion, which represents an 80 percent probability. The co-author of the UN forecast, Adrian Raftery, said in an interview with the current issue of Science Magazine, “Previous research showed a population increase to about nine billion people, which would then stagnate or even decrease. This was previously a general consensus. However, due to current statistical methods, such a development can no longer be assumed.”
While growth in Europe, America, and Asia is expected to be minimal, studies show that the increase in Africa could reach four billion people. The latest data on birth rates and the expected development of AIDS are taken into account. The increase in the world’s population also means a worsening of environmental problems, as well as issues related to disease and poverty. Climate change, in particular, poses a significant global problem.
In conclusion, the world’s population is expected to continue to grow throughout the century, with estimates predicting an increase of five billion people by 2100. While growth in some regions will be minimal, Africa is expected to see a significant increase. This increase will exacerbate environmental problems and issues related to disease and poverty. The study emphasizes the need for continued research and action to address these challenges.
