Between the years 2023 and early 2024, the global population experienced a significant increase of 75 million.
Projections indicate that the total world population will surpass 8 billion by New Year’s Day 2024, with the US Census Bureau emphasising the pivotal significance of this year for the world.
It has been verified that the population growth rate in 2023 was less than 1 percent. According to statistics from the US Census Bureau, from the onset of 2024, there will be 4.3 births and 2 deaths occurring worldwide every second.
Furthermore, the population growth rate of America in the preceding year was measured at 0.53 percent, with an additional 1.7 million individuals becoming part of the population in 2023.
The US Census Department’s estimation that the global population will reach 8 billion by January 1, 2024, underscores the growth of 75 million in 2023 and a growth rate of less than one percent.
World Population Day
World Population Day, observed on the 11th of July, serves as an important reminder of the global population trends and challenges.
The theme for World Population Day 2024, “Leave no one behind and count everyone,” underscores the significance of inclusive and comprehensive population data collection.
As we reflect on the demographics of the past century, it is evident that there was a significant surge in population, followed by a gradual deceleration.
Projections indicate that it will take approximately 15 years for the global population to reach 9 billion, with expectations of surpassing 10 billion by the year 2080, according to analyses by international census experts.
The United Nations Secretary-General has underscored the critical need to update population data systems to accurately capture the rich diversity of the global populace.
Moreover, there is a compelling opportunity for global and regional cooperation to address these demographic challenges.
Importance of population data collection
Over the last three decades, analysts have emphasised the crucial nature of enhancing the collection, analysis, and utilisation of socio-demographic data on a global scale.
This concerted effort has resulted in significant advancements, including the systematic preparation of population statistics based on various parameters such as age, ethnicity, gender, and other relevant factors.
The meticulous collection and analysis of this data have led to a more precise portrayal of the diverse makeup of societies worldwide, enabling a thorough examination of these populations.
This progress has had far-reaching effects, notably contributing to the improvement of global health services, education, technology, and other critical areas.
There is a clear indication of substantial enhancements in sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
Recognising the importance of accurately assessing population composition and sizes, it is evident that these actions play a pivotal role in protecting the fundamental rights of individuals..
Leave none behind and count all
The theme selected for World Population Day 2024, “Leave no one and count all,” underscores the critical importance of population analysis and inclusivity.
This theme aims to highlight the significance of accounting for every individual within the global population.
It is a widely held belief that the human population took around 300,000 years to reach a milestone of one billion individuals worldwide. Subsequently, it took over a century to double to two billion.
However, the pace of population growth significantly accelerated around the 1950s, and currently, the global population has surpassed the 8 billion mark.
This exponential growth signifies a substantial demographic shift in a relatively short period.
The calculation of world population figures relies on comprehensive and reliable census data, which serves as a fundamental basis for understanding and addressing global demographic trends.
World population to reach 10 billion in 2080
The United Nations, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, and the Wittgenstein Centre in Vienna are actively engaged in conducting comprehensive studies on the world population.
According to the United Nations, the global population is forecasted to reach its peak at 10.4 billion by 2080.
However, findings from the Wittgenstein Centre suggest that the world population may exceed 10 billion between 2060 and 2070. Moreover, researchers have identified that approximately half of the next billion people will be born in just eight countries, with the majority of them being African nations
In addition, the calculations also reveal that the fertility rate in many countries is expected to drop below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman.
