Recent statistical data reported the global human population to be around 8 billion, with the top three spots belonging to China, India, and the United States. In spite of this sky-high figure, the United Nations predicts a global decline in world population in the coming decades.
In the history of humanity, a population decline is attributed to catastrophes such as famine or disease. However, our modern trends in declining human populations are seen as a result of fertility rates due to various reasons, such as women's access to contraception and education opportunities. If this trend continues, society needs to plan for a shrinking population's positive and negative effects.
As reported by UN's World Population Prospects 2022, there is a 50 percent chance that the human population will reach its peak and stabilize or begin to have a global decline before the year 2100. The reduction in fertility is believed to have an effect on population growth between now and 2050.
CNN Health reports the projection of the UN that the average birth per woman will decline to 2.1 by 2050. While every developed country is expected to show a lower figure, this demographic transition is not observed in African countries, with five as the average number of children per couple. However, this region is also reported to have an infant mortality rate higher than in developed countries.
Negative Impact of Growing Population
The vast human population adds pressure to our planet. As every human depends on our environment for food, energy, and shelter, a rising population will mean increased demand beyond the capacity of our world.
In China alone, imported deforestation and global greenhouse emissions contribute to the country's total environmental footprint. Even if consumption in China and other high-income countries is reduced, it will still be insufficient if the world population continues to grow.
The increasing human population also negatively impacts wildlife as some human activities have destroyed their natural habitat. The resulting loss of biodiversity will greatly affect the interactions between life forms and the entire biosphere as well.
Following the ecosystem collapse, global economics will also suffer, with an estimated cost of $2.7 trillion a year, according to the World Bank. Every country will also spend a lot of money responding to climate chaos due to unpredictable weather, droughts, and wildfires.
Future Challenges in Population Trend
Experts believe less population will lead to a better future with more opportunities and a healthier environment. As a result, the government is expected to address the challenges in
achieving population stabilization and decline. Environmental programs are intertwined with reproductive rights and gender equity, as raising safe and healthy families can be affected by pollution, climate change, and deteriorating ecosystems. This challenges policymakers in guaranteeing health care, gender equality, and education.
Amidst the positive result of continuous population reduction, this trend can also lead to economic upheaval. Fewer people mean fewer taxpayers and less workforce. When a dwindling population is combined with aging, they challenge is meeting sustainability objectives.
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