(MENAFN- AzerNews)
Nazrin Abdul
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The world's population is projected to grow by more than 2
billion people in the coming decades, reaching a peak around the
2080s at approximately 10.3 billion, marking a significant
departure from previous projections, Azernews
reports citing a new report from the United Nations cited by
AP.
John Wilmoth, head of the U.N. Population Division, highlighted
that there is an 80% probability that the global population will
peak within this century, a notable increase from earlier
estimates. This shift reflects declining fertility rates in major
countries, particularly in China, where the population is expected
to decline sharply from 1.4 billion in 2024 to 633 million by
2100.
The report, released on World Population Day, underscores that
global fertility rates have decreased, with women on average having
one fewer child than in 1990. Over half of all countries now have
fertility rates below the replacement level of 2.1 children per
woman, signaling a potential decline in population absent
significant migration.
Navid Hanif, U.N. Assistant Secretary-General for Economic
Development, emphasized that the anticipated lower global
population in 2100 compared to previous projections has profound
policy implications for sustainability.
Already, population has peaked in 63 countries including China,
Germany, Japan, and Russia, with a projected 14% decline over the
next 30 years. Another 48 countries, including Brazil, Iran,
Turkey, and Vietnam, are expected to reach peak population between
2025 and 2054.
Looking ahead, the report predicts diverse demographic
trajectories among countries, with some experiencing rapid
population growth while others face decline. Wilmoth highlighted
that these differences are rooted in varying stages of demographic
transition towards longer life expectancy and smaller family
sizes.
Key findings from the report also note that global life
expectancy is rebounding post-COVID-19, with older populations
projected to outnumber children by 2080. Migration is anticipated
to be a primary driver of population growth in certain countries,
while gender equality and women's empowerment are seen as critical
in managing population dynamics.
The world's population has surged from 2.6 billion in 1950 to 8
billion in 2022, with future growth patterns poised to reshape
global demographics profoundly. As countries prepare for these
shifts, the report calls for innovative policies to address
economic, social, and environmental challenges associated with
rapid population changes.
Kathleen Mogelgaard, president of the Population Institute,
highlighted the growing demographic disparities worldwide,
emphasizing the need for concerted global efforts to address
poverty, hunger, and ensure sustainable development.
Looking forward to 2100, projections indicate that India will
remain the world's most populous country, followed by China,
Pakistan, Nigeria, and Congo, reflecting ongoing demographic shifts
reshaping the global landscape.
Wilmoth concluded by emphasizing that while population dynamics
are crucial, future outcomes will be shaped significantly by
societal choices and behaviors, underscoring the importance of
informed policymaking and international cooperation in navigating
demographic transitions.
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