The world population seems to be on track to reach a "peak level" earlier than previously expected this century, with a lower total number. According to the United Nations, the projected increase comes at a time when some of the largest countries in the world are facing a sharp decline in birth rates.
As per the biennial World Population Prospects report published by the organization, it is expected that the global population will peak at around 10.3 billion people in the mid-2080s, down from the previous estimate of 10.4 billion. The current world population is approximately 8.2 billion.
A report from CNBC mentioned that the world population is anticipated to gradually decline to 10.2 billion by the year 2100. Li Junhua, the Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs at the UN, stated at a press conference: "In some countries, the birth rate has now fallen below what was previously expected, and we are also seeing slightly faster declines in some high-fertility areas."
He added: "The lower peak level is a hopeful sign. This could mean reduced environmental pressures from human impacts due to lower overall consumption."
According to CNBC, women, on average, are bearing one child less than they did in 1990. In more than half of the countries, the average number of births per woman has dropped to below 2.1, which is the level required to maintain a stable population.
The UN noted that countries like China, South Korea, Spain, and Italy have "very low" fertility rates. As per the report, starting from 2024, the population has already peaked in 63 countries, including China, Germany, Japan, and Russia. The total population in these countries is expected to decline by 14 percent over the next 30 years.
