UN Report Project World Population Peak at 10.3 Billion by 2080

New York: The United Nations has released its "World Population Prospects 2024" report, forecasting that Earth's population will peak around mid-2080s at approximately 10.3 billion people before slightly decreasing to 10.2 billion by the end of the century. This projection marks a notable revision from earlier estimates, indicating a six percent reduction, equivalent to 700 million fewer people anticipated by 2100 compared to forecasts made in 2013.

Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, highlighted significant demographic shifts contributing to this revised outlook. Factors include declining fertility rates in several of the world's largest nations, particularly notable in China. This earlier and lower population peak offers a hopeful prospect in the global effort against climate change, suggesting reduced human population growth could alleviate environmental pressures.

"However, addressing environmental impact remains crucial," Junhua emphasized, cautioning that slowing population growth does not diminish the need for sustainable practices.

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Currently, over 28 percent of the global population resides in 63 countries where populations have already peaked, including major nations like China, Russia, Japan, and Germany. Another 50 countries, such as Brazil, Iran, and Turkey, are expected to reach population peaks within the next three decades. However, more than 120 countries, including India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States, are projected to continue experiencing population growth beyond 2054.

The report also notes a resurgence in global life expectancy, rebounding after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2024, average life expectancy stands at 73.3 years, expected to rise to 77.4 years by 2054. This trend signals a global population increasingly aging, with projections indicating that by the late 2070s, individuals aged 65 and older will outnumber those under 18, totaling 2.2 billion.

The UN's latest population projections underscore evolving global demographic dynamics and their implications for sustainability, economic development, and societal well-being in the coming decades.