World population to reach 8 billion in November
(VOVWORLD) - The world's population is expected to reach eight billion on November 15, the UN forecast Monday in a report that said India will surpass China as the most populous country on earth in 2023.
 A train station in Guangzhou, China. (File photo: AFP/VNA) |
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that overall the population milestone is a reminder of the shared responsibility to care for the planet and a moment to reflect on where people still fall short of commitments to one another.
He added that this is an occasion to celebrate the diversity, recognize common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates.
The forecast by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs said the world's population is growing at its slowest pace since 1950. It should hit 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050, peaking at around 10.4 billion people in the 2080s before steadying at that level until 2100.