The world population is forecast to peak in mid-century and then go into long decline. Global fertility is currently 2.5 (the figure for no population growth is 2.1) . In many countries it is below this figure. Even in India it is only 2.6. More children are surviving childhood, women are now going out to work and know about and use contraception. Education also has an effect. By 2300 the population could be down to between two and four billion.
About time! If it is true (forecasting population is as reliable as forecasting the weather). We are wrecking the planet and are faced with further turmoil with global warming. It has been the religions that have helped drive population growth, especially Catholics and Moslems. What’s the point of the “sanctity of life” if life isn’t worth living?
What sort of planet the two to four billion people will inherit in 2300 doesn’t bear thinking about.
Agree with you about the horrible prospect of this little Earth crowded with 4 billion people.
Re the weather: I think we’ve become quiet super at weather forecasting–relatively speaking. There’s a wonderful radar app for iPad which tells you pretty much exactly what the weather over your house is likely to be in the next hour.
For example, when the snow flurries began on Saturday, this little app gave a visually 100% accurate account of what was going to develop.