The world’s population may soon begin declining, according to a new report from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. The report suggests that the global population will peak at around 9.7 billion in 2064 and then begin to decline, reaching 8.8 billion by the end of the century.
The decline is expected to be driven by falling fertility rates, particularly in Asia and Africa, where populations have been growing rapidly in recent decades. The report predicts that the global fertility rate will fall from 2.37 children per woman in 2017 to 1.66 by 2100.
The decline in fertility rates can be attributed to a number of factors, including increased access to education and family planning services, as well as changing social norms and economic factors.
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The decline in population may have significant implications for the global economy and society, particularly in regions where populations are aging rapidly. Countries with low birth rates may struggle to support their aging populations, while others may face labor shortages and declining economic growth.
However, the decline in population could also have positive effects, such as reducing pressure on resources and the environment, as well as providing opportunities for innovation and technological advances.
The report notes that the decline in population will not be uniform across the world, with some countries and regions likely to experience more significant declines than others. The report predicts that China’s population will peak in 2025 and then decline rapidly, while India’s population will continue to grow until 2048 before beginning to decline.
Overall, the report suggests that the world’s population may be entering a new era of demographic change, with significant implications for the global economy, society, and the environment. Governments and policymakers will need to plan for these changes and take steps to address the challenges and opportunities that they present.
