World Population Surpasses 8 Billion Mark, What It Means For Nature

According to the United Nations, the global population has reached the eight billion mark. The milestone has been achieved due to improved human lifespan and countries with high fertility rates.

The report also suggests the growth has been gradual. It almost took 12 years for the world to grow from seven to eight billion. Experts are anticipating that it will nearly take 15 years to cross the nine billion mark.

Growth Concentrated In Poorest Countries

Image Courtesy: United Nations

Longevity in the life span is due to improvements in nutrition, public health, medicine and personal hygiene. However, this growth is found to be concentrated more in the poorest countries, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Of the one billion growth in the last 12 years, 70% of it was in low and lower-middle-income countries. For the next one billion growth, between 2022 and 2037, these countries would account for almost 90% of the growth.

The report suggests a youthful age structure will ensure that the population continues to grow even if the fertility (boost fertility) levels come down. Therefore, we are sure that the world will not experience any decline in another half of the century.

It has been observed that the birth rate has continued to outnumber the death rate. Therefore, when we touch the nine billion mark, children, youth and adults below 65 years will form the major part of the population.

Rapid Population Growth Is A Symptom & Cause For Slow Rate Of Development

Rapid population growth is both a symptom and a cause for the slow rate of development. The elevation in the number of kids being born every day makes it difficult for developing and poor countries to provide them with equitable education, clean water, hygienic sanitation conditions and housing.

This tones down the rate of development. The reports suggest if the population is more educated, employed and aware, there is a reduction in the fertility rate. People plan families, ensure sexual health and often use effective contraception methods to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Therefore, the world needs policies that cater to uneducated people, help them get employed and promote the well-being of older persons.

Don't Miss: Aamir Khan To Take A Break From Acting

High Population Means Environmental Damage

Image Courtesy: United Nations

The explosion in population numbers means more damage to the environment because of unsustainable patterns. This would contribute more towards climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Don't Miss: Fatima Sana Shaikh Opens Up About Her Epilepsy Struggles

The rapid increase in population will result in increased pollution. It will cause devastating effects on the habitation of animals and birds. Therefore, we have to be cautious and address issues of global food production, consumption and housing. We need to move towards the planning of how to tackle these issues by considering problems according to geography. Policymakers need to divert their immediate attention to education, health, climate, gender equality and poverty immediately.

Also Watch