The number of people on Earth is growing at a slower pace, according to a new UN report. “In 2020, the growth rate of the world population fell below one percent per year for the first time since 1950,” said the United Nations in a new report that was previously available to the German Press Agency. World Population Day is celebrated this Monday.
For John Wilmoth, Director of the UN Population Division, this global development – despite all regional differences – offers many opportunities, especially for developing countries. In addition to fighting poverty and hunger, this applies above all to the issue of education: fewer offspring increase the attention paid to each child. “When the average family size falls, both families and societies will be able to invest more in each child, improve the quality of education and develop the human capital of the population,” Wilmoth told the German Press Agency.
Nonetheless, the UN expects the world’s population to top 8 billion by the end of this year, around November 15th. By 2030, researchers predict there will be 8.5 billion people on the planet, and 9.7 by 2050, before a peak of 10.4 billion people in 2080, which is estimated to last until around 2100.