Overpopulation is a problem that needs to be addressed worldwide. Advances in medicine and technology have led to an unsustainable explosion in population. Too many humans on this planet puts a strain on the environment, contributing to its deterioration. Going by the latest overpopulation statistics, it’s clear that its effects are already being felt all over the world.
Let’s take a look at some overpopulation facts and statistics.
Human Overpopulation Facts and Statistics
1. Natural resources are being depleted too fast
The world is running out of limited natural resources such as water, arable land, fossil fuels, and minerals. A larger population than the environment can support has led to overconsumption. The average person consumes at a rate that is 50% above a sustainable level.
2. The quality of life is on a decline
Overpopulation causes a strain on the environment and its resources. As the population grows, demand exceeds supply. Resources like water, food, and housing become less accessible. Consequently, the quality of human life declines.
3. 1 in 9 people go to bed hungry
Food scarcity caused by overpopulation has led to 821 million people going to bed hungry. The number is expected to exceed 840 million by 2030. 1 in 3 people suffers from malnutrition.
4. Water Vulnerability
Over 750 million people don’t have access to safe drinking water. By 2025, more than half the world will be facing water vulnerability. By 2050 water demand will exceed supply by 50% in some regions.
5. Urbanization will surge
In 2018, 4.2 billion people lived in urban areas, and 3.4 billion people lived in rural areas. By 2050 two-thirds of the world will live in cities.
Interesting facts about overpopulation
6. Exacerbates Climate Change and Global Warming
Population growth has led to the overconsumption of fossil fuels. As such global greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution are worsening.
7. Life expectancy is on the rise
Population growth is not the only reason for overpopulation. Life expectancy rose by 4 years between 2010 and 2015 to 71 years. It will increase to 77 by 2050. Life expectancy will increase even further to 83 years by 2100.
8. The world is aging
The global population of older people today is 962 million. By 2050 the number of older people is projected to reach 2.1 billion. The population of older people could rise up to 3.1 billion by 2100.
9. It took 40 years for the world population to double
The world population stood at 3 billion in 1960. By the year 2000, the population was 6 billion. The growth rate is fast compared to previous centuries. The world gained 1 billion people between 1800 and 1900.
10. It takes a dozen years for an increase of a billion
Between 1999-and 2011, the world population grew from 6 billion to 7 billion. The world is expected to hit 8 billion in 2023, 12 years after it hit 7 billion.
11. The US population tripled in the 20th century
The US went from a country of 76.2 million people in 1900 to 281.4 million people in 2000. That is a growth rate of 269% in a century.
12. Female education reduces overpopulation
The world would have 3 billion fewer people if every woman had access to higher education. There is a link between higher education and lower fertility rates. Education helps with family planning, and it reduces early pregnancies.
Facts about Population Growth
13. The current population growth rate is 1.1%
There are 7.8 billion people today. The world population is growing at 83 million people per year. That is a growth rate of 1.1%.
14. The future population growth
According to the UN, the global population will reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion by 2100.
15. The most significant contributor to population growth is Africa
Africa’s population will double between 2017-and 2050. Half the additional 2.2 billion people in the world will come from the continent. Asia will be the second most contributor, adding 750 million people.
16. The US is among the 9 countries contributing the most to the population growth
The world is expected to gain over 3 billion people between 2020 and 2100. Half of that number will come from the United States, Nigeria, Angola, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and Tanzania.
17. The rate of population growth has slowed down
In 2012, the growth rate was 1.24%. Today the growth rate is about 1.1%. This is due to a fall in fertility rates in nearly all world regions.
18. Not all countries will see their population grow
83 countries have a fertility rate below the level required to replace the population. Europe will be the only region whose people will be smaller in 2050 than in 2017.
Which Countries Are Facing Overpopulation?
Developing countries have a higher population growth than developed countries. For example, Africa has a population growth of 2.6% compared to Europe’s population growth rate of 0.4%. By 2035, the population in the least developed countries will surpass that of developed countries.
What Is the Maximum Population the Earth Can Sustain?
Many scientists believe that the earth can sustain between 9 and 10 billion people. The calculation is based on the planet’s available resources.
When Will the World’s Population Peak?
According to the UN, the world’s population is expected to grow until 2100. The population growth will then stop because global fertility is likely to fall from 2.5 births per woman in 2015 to 2.0 births per woman in 2100.
These overpopulation facts paint a picture of what overpopulation is and why it is a concern. Now is the time for us to adopt sustainable living. We can do this by changing our consumer behavior, turning to renewable energy, and reducing waste production.
Want to learn more about overpopulation, its causes, and solutions? Check out our other article on The World Overpopulation Problem: Causes, Effects & Solutions.
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Sources: UN, Everything Connects, Condé Nast Traveller, Food Aid Foundation
Stella - Writer
Stella is a writer and mother from Thika, Kenya.
Her love for nature and the beautiful Kenyan outdoors has inspired Stella to consciously make an effort to lead a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.
