It will be eight billion world population November 15, according to his estimates United Nations, with more than 50% of people living in just seven countries. The sheer number alone causes fear among many, as they believe that overpopulation causes insurmountable problems. However, the data of the UN Population Fund look encouraging.

Every year the world’s population increases by 70 million, but 80% of this increase is in the poorest countries, which do not have the means to cope with the population explosion, to feed, educate and employ their young citizens, thereby exacerbating global poverty. .

extreme poverty

In 2021, about 700 million people worldwide lived in extreme poverty, the vast majority of them living in African states, home to 23 of the world’s 28 poorest countries. At the same time, the same continent has the highest birth rates and the highest population growth rates, and at the same time it is facing climate instability, water scarcity, natural disasters, food insecurity, which, together with inflationary trends and rising costs life, make everyday life very difficult.

At the same time, the population explosion is seen by many as having a dramatic impact on the environment, increasing concerns about water and food adequacy, while at the same time contributing to the ravages of climate change with settlement expansion and human presence. , which leads some species even to complete destruction.

Dr. Natalia Kanem, Managing Director of the United Nations Population Fund, is trying to dispel this risk-based approach by emphasizing that the “absolute” number of the Earth’s inhabitants should not cause governments to panic. On the contrary, this is a good opportunity to focus our efforts on helping women, children and marginalized social categories most vulnerable to demographic changes.

More than 50% of people live in just seven countries.

“No” in meters

“I understand that the growth of the world population is not a cause for joy for everyone. Some express concern about overpopulation, emphasizing that there will not be enough resources for everyone to survive. I want to assure everyone that the sheer number of people around the world should not be intimidating.” The purpose of labeling an official of an international organization is to prevent some governments from imposing population control measures. After all, as he said, these are measures that have proven their “inefficiency and danger.” “We consider forced sterilization campaigns and any restrictions on family planning and contraception to be ineffective measures and in some cases led to the opposite result – a population explosion,” Kanem said. “We do not want human freedoms to be suppressed, which deprives women of the right to decide for themselves whether and when they want to become mothers. Assessing the risk of overpopulation distracts us from issues we should be focusing on.”

India ahead

Eight countries, including Nigeria, Ethiopia and the Philippines, will account for more than 50% of population growth by 2050, according to data compiled by the UN today. Among them is India, which is expected to surpass China in population, possibly in the new year, to become the most populous country in the world.

Kanem also pointed out that states with immigrant communities have higher birth rates than the country, a fact often used to stir up social tensions.

“This phenomenon should not cause concern. As we face an aging crisis, we must look for sustainable solutions, including immigration and the admission of people who want to help care for the elderly. The difference in the birth rate should not be a reason for inciting xenophobia and hatred of one’s neighbor.”