Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy expressed concern over India's growing population, calling it a significant challenge for the nation. He said that since the Emergency period, the issue of population control has been largely overlooked.

Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy expressed concern over India's growing population, calling it a significant challenge for the nation. He said that since the Emergency period, the issue of population control has been largely overlooked. Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where he was the chief guest, Murthy stressed the urgent need for attention to population management for ensuring the country's sustainable future. "India faces significant challenges related to population, per capita land availability, and healthcare facilities," he said. "Since the Emergency period, we Indians have not paid enough attention to population control. This poses a risk of making our country unsustainable. In comparison, countries such as the US, Brazil and China have far higher per capita land availability," he added. "This contribution depends on having high aspirations, dreaming big and working hard to turn those dreams into reality," the Infosys co-founder said. He said that each generation is tasked with making numerous sacrifices to ensure a better future for the next. The dedication and sacrifices of his parents, siblings, and teachers played a crucial role in his journey. His presence at the institute as the chief guest stands as evidence that their efforts were worthwhile and not wasted. Also read | India: Union govt defends Triple Talaq ban, calls practice 'fatal' to marriage "One generation must make many sacrifices to improve the lives of the next. My parents, siblings and teachers made significant sacrifices for my progress and my presence here as the chief guest is proof that their sacrifices were not in vain," he said. During the ‘ELCIA Tech Summit 2024,’ Murthy voiced doubts about India's goal to rival China as a global manufacturing powerhouse. He advised against prematurely using phrases like "hub" and "global leader." "China has already become the factory of the world. Around 90% of products in supermarkets and home depots worldwide are made in China. Their GDP is six times that of India. It is overly ambitious for us to claim that India will become the manufacturing hub," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Narayana Murthy warns of growing population challenge, says India overlooked it since Emergency

More than half the world's top 100 most polluted cities are in India; check if your city made the list

Vietnam is gearing up to celebrate the birth of its 100 millionth citizen next month with a publicity campaign to highlight the benefits of population expansion on the economy, according to a report from Vietnam News Agency.&nbsp;

Vietnam was the 15th most populated nation in the world as of April 2022, according to the General Statistical Office (GSO), and one of the three most populous in Southeast Asia, according to Xinhua News Agency.

The statistics agency stated that Vietnam views the birth of its 100 millionth citizen as "a proud landmark," along with initiatives to encourage economic and investment growth, in enhancing the country's reputation within the world community.

To celebrate the birth of the 100 millionth citizen, the government has scheduled a parade and a meeting ceremony for mid-April.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netflix-documentary-mh370-the-plane-that-disappeared-and-the-theories-570073">Explained: Netflix documentary 'MH370: The Plane That Disappeared' and the various theories</a>

Up until the early 1960s, the total fertility rate—the number of children a Vietnamese woman has in her lifetime—was between six and seven. According to the UN Fund for Population Activities, it decreased to 4.8 in 1979 and subsequently kept declining, reaching the replacement level fertility of approximately two since 2006.

The GSO&nbsp;estimates that as of April 1, 2022, there were 99.2 million people living in Vietnam.

Mid-April will see the birth of Vietnam's 100 millionth citizen, making it one of three nations in Southeast Asia and one of just 15 nations in the world with a population of 100 million or more.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Vietnam is gearing up to celebrate the birth of its 100 millionth citizen next month with a publicity campaign to highlight the benefits of population expansion on the economy, according to a report from Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam is gearing up to celebrate the birth of its 100 millionth citizen next month with a publicity campaign to highlight the benefits of population expansion on the economy, according to a report from Vietnam News Agency. Vietnam was the 15th most populated nation in the world as of April 2022, according to the General Statistical Office (GSO), and one of the three most populous in Southeast Asia, according to Xinhua News Agency. The statistics agency stated that Vietnam views the birth of its 100 millionth citizen as "a proud landmark," along with initiatives to encourage economic and investment growth, in enhancing the country's reputation within the world community. To celebrate the birth of the 100 millionth citizen, the government has scheduled a parade and a meeting ceremony for mid-April. ALSO READ | Explained: Netflix documentary 'MH370: The Plane That Disappeared' and the various theories Up until the early 1960s, the total fertility rate—the number of children a Vietnamese woman has in her lifetime—was between six and seven. According to the UN Fund for Population Activities, it decreased to 4.8 in 1979 and subsequently kept declining, reaching the replacement level fertility of approximately two since 2006. The GSO estimates that as of April 1, 2022, there were 99.2 million people living in Vietnam. Mid-April will see the birth of Vietnam's 100 millionth citizen, making it one of three nations in Southeast Asia and one of just 15 nations in the world with a population of 100 million or more. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Vietnam gears up to welcome 100 millionth citizen in April, calls it a 'proud landmark'

South Korea has broken its own record for the world's lowest fertility rate. Official figures released in November put the number of children a South Korean woman will have in her lifetime at just 0.79.&nbsp;As per OECD, for a country to ensure a stable population, the optimum fertility rate per woman must stand at 2.1 children in a lifetime. However, for South Korea, the number stands at not even half of the recommended rate. 
 
This presents challenges for the country, which faces a looming labour shortage to support its pension system and an ageing population.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: World population hits 8 Billion: Does India stand to gain?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-world-population-hits-8-billion-does-india-stand-to-gain-534538/embed" width="560"></iframe>

CNN reports that in September, the nation's President Yoon Suk Yeol admitted that in the last 16 years, more than $200 billion have been spent on efforts to boost the population.&nbsp;

This includes financial aid for new babies: a monthly allowance for parents of children under one-year old that as per the Yoon Administration is set to increase from the current 300,000 won ($230) to 700,000 won ($540) in 2023 and to 1 million Korean won ($770) in 2024.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-may-face-age-quake-as-fertility-rate-hits-record-low-in-2021-510176">South Korea may face 'age quake' as fertility rate hits record low in 2021</a>

However, parents say that the government's promises of funds don't matter. Talking to CNN,&nbsp;mother of one Kim Min-jeong, who is expecting her second child, said, "They’ve changed the names and merged allowances but for parents like us, there are no more benefits."

She said that since having a child, she's been unable to work as they can't afford private care or trust the government-funded nurseries. Even though the nation's government-funded nurseries are aplenty, in recent years, a number of scandals in which CCTV footage of caregivers striking infants has emerged.

Other problems parents like Min-jeong face are traditional gender roles; women are expected to take care of the home along with work, and the husbands who want to pitch in find that business culture doesn't allow for that.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-the-world-reaches-daunting-eight-billion-population-china-frets-over-low-number-of-children-534854">Even as the world reaches daunting eight billion population, China frets over low number of children</a>

Society&nbsp;frowns on single parents. IVF treatments are not available for single women and same-sex partnerships are not legal, while willing unwed couples are not allowed to adopt.

However, despite the amount of money "thrown" at the problem factors like high real estate prices, the cost of education and greater economic anxiety have dissuaded the young from procreating.

Critics contend that the issues go beyond economics and that a change in strategy is necessary. The current strategy, in the opinion of many experts, is too one-dimensional; instead, ongoing support for the child is required throughout their entire life.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

South Korea has broken its own record for the world's lowest fertility rate. Official figures released in November put the number of children a South Korean woman will have in her lifetime at just 0.

South Korea has broken its own record for the world's lowest fertility rate. Official figures released in November put the number of children a South Korean woman will have in her lifetime at just 0.79. As per OECD, for a country to ensure a stable population, the optimum fertility rate per woman must stand at 2.1 children in a lifetime. However, for South Korea, the number stands at not even half of the recommended rate. This presents challenges for the country, which faces a looming labour shortage to support its pension system and an ageing population. Watch | Gravitas: World population hits 8 Billion: Does India stand to gain? CNN reports that in September, the nation's President Yoon Suk Yeol admitted that in the last 16 years, more than $200 billion have been spent on efforts to boost the population. This includes financial aid for new babies: a monthly allowance for parents of children under one-year old that as per the Yoon Administration is set to increase from the current 300,000 won ($230) to 700,000 won ($540) in 2023 and to 1 million Korean won ($770) in 2024. Also read | South Korea may face 'age quake' as fertility rate hits record low in 2021 However, parents say that the government's promises of funds don't matter. Talking to CNN, mother of one Kim Min-jeong, who is expecting her second child, said, "They’ve changed the names and merged allowances but for parents like us, there are no more benefits." She said that since having a child, she's been unable to work as they can't afford private care or trust the government-funded nurseries. Even though the nation's government-funded nurseries are aplenty, in recent years, a number of scandals in which CCTV footage of caregivers striking infants has emerged. Other problems parents like Min-jeong face are traditional gender roles; women are expected to take care of the home along with work, and the husbands who want to pitch in find that business culture doesn't allow for that. Also read | Even as the world reaches daunting eight billion population, China frets over low number of children Society frowns on single parents. IVF treatments are not available for single women and same-sex partnerships are not legal, while willing unwed couples are not allowed to adopt. However, despite the amount of money "thrown" at the problem factors like high real estate prices, the cost of education and greater economic anxiety have dissuaded the young from procreating. Critics contend that the issues go beyond economics and that a change in strategy is necessary. The current strategy, in the opinion of many experts, is too one-dimensional; instead, ongoing support for the child is required throughout their entire life. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korea: $200 billion spent on efforts to boost population, but where are the babies?

Air is important for the survival of all beings. The quality of life we live depends a great deal on the quality of the air we breathe in; while we can survive days without food or water, we cannot survive for more than a few minutes without air.&nbsp;

However, air pollution has become one of the largest threats to environmental and human health, making access to clean air a global issue.

A rapid increase in the human population, industrialisation, deforestation, economic growth, and vehicular emissions have been attributed as major drivers for the continuous deterioration of air quality.

The ever-growing global population accelerates greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a negative impact on air quality.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/opinion-air-pollution-and-child-health-time-to-act-is-now-431138">Opinion | Air pollution and child health: Time to act is now!</a>

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, around 7 million people die every year from indoor and outdoor air pollution. Around 92 per cent of the world's population breathes air with high levels of pollutants exceeding WHO guidelines.

Effects of air pollution on human health are serious. Diseases like asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary illnesses, and heart diseases can all be associated with air pollution and the poor air quality we inhale.

Pollution and Children

Children, however, are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their developing lungs and their high activity levels.&nbsp;

Nearly 6,00,000 children globally died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by air pollution in 2016, according to a WHO report. The World Health Organization reports that 93 per cent of children worldwide under the age of 15 breathe in air that is so toxic that it severely impacts their health.

There is some evidence that polluted air can even harm a baby while they are still in the womb. As a result of air pollution exposure during pregnancy, children can be born with defects in the respiratory system, and brain and spinal defects as well.

Air pollution in India

By 2027, India will overtake China as the most populous country with almost 1.39 billion people. The impact of the country's growing population on air quality is evident, the country is ranked third on the global pollution index.&nbsp;

India has 22 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world according to the 'World Air Report, 2020'; Delhi tops the list. With so much smog covering Delhi, curbing air pollution has proven to be a challenge.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhis-indoor-air-pollution-levels-worse-than-outdoors-experts-warn-435420">New Delhi's indoor air pollution levels worse than outdoors, experts warn</a>

The latest statistics from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) indicate that the levels of Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) have reached 876 and 680 micrograms per cubic metres, compared to the safe limits of 100 and 60 micrograms per cubic metres respectively.&nbsp;

Emissions from vehicles, industries, and power plants, dust from heavy constructions, increased deforestation, waste burning, and seasonal activities like stubble burning during harvest seasons and Diwali fireworks are the major drivers of the poor air quality in the National Capital Region.

Delhi's hazardous air pollution puts children at greater risk of developing diseases at a very young age. A recent health survey conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on 413 children aged between 14 years to 17 years in the city suggests that 75 per cent of the children complained about breathlessness, 24.2per cent of children face issues of itchy eyes, 22.3per cent of children complained about runny nose and sneezing, and 20.9 per cent of children complained about coughing in the morning.&nbsp;

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country just adds to the ill effects of polluted air. According to a Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health report from 2020, people living in highly polluted cities are more likely to suffer respiratory and heart diseases and to develop COVID-19 symptoms.

In November, the Air Quality Index of Delhi remained in a severe category and as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), stubble burning contributed 36 per cent to the city’s air pollution this year.&nbsp;

Delhi's increased migration of people just adds to the city's already growing population, resulting in more construction, industries, and energy production, as well as more vehicular emissions.

Authorities have taken numerous steps to curb air pollution and improve the quality of air in the country, such as the odd-even traffic rationing scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna for cleaner fuels, or the use of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternate fuel for vehicles.

However, considering the alarming levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, clearly, these measures are failing to tackle the crisis.

Watch |&nbsp;Mission Sustainability: The right to breathe clean air

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mission-sustainability-the-right-to-breathe-clean-air-445943/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Battle against air pollution

The poorest air quality is often found in cities with high population densities - population density plays a large role in air pollution. The most basic solution to air pollution is to replace fossil fuels with alternative energies such as solar and wind power.

However, it is equally imperative to reduce our energy consumption - this can be accomplished by adopting more responsible habits, including sustainable farming practices to prevent the burning of stubble and stabilising human population growth.

Air pollution is a silent killer, but it can be curbed with a strong commitment and effective planning. 
&nbsp;

Air is important for the survival of all beings. The quality of life we live depends a great deal on the quality of the air we breathe in; while we can survive days without food or water, we cannot survive for more than a few minutes without air.

Air is important for the survival of all beings. The quality of life we live depends a great deal on the quality of the air we breathe in; while we can survive days without food or water, we cannot survive for more than a few minutes without air. However, air pollution has become one of the largest threats to environmental and human health, making access to clean air a global issue. A rapid increase in the human population, industrialisation, deforestation, economic growth, and vehicular emissions have been attributed as major drivers for the continuous deterioration of air quality. The ever-growing global population accelerates greenhouse gas emissions, resulting in a negative impact on air quality. Also read | Opinion | Air pollution and child health: Time to act is now! The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that globally, around 7 million people die every year from indoor and outdoor air pollution. Around 92 per cent of the world's population breathes air with high levels of pollutants exceeding WHO guidelines. Effects of air pollution on human health are serious. Diseases like asthma, lung cancer, pulmonary illnesses, and heart diseases can all be associated with air pollution and the poor air quality we inhale. Pollution and Children Children, however, are most vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution due to their developing lungs and their high activity levels. Nearly 6,00,000 children globally died from acute lower respiratory infections caused by air pollution in 2016, according to a WHO report. The World Health Organization reports that 93 per cent of children worldwide under the age of 15 breathe in air that is so toxic that it severely impacts their health. There is some evidence that polluted air can even harm a baby while they are still in the womb. As a result of air pollution exposure during pregnancy, children can be born with defects in the respiratory system, and brain and spinal defects as well. Air pollution in India By 2027, India will overtake China as the most populous country with almost 1.39 billion people. The impact of the country's growing population on air quality is evident, the country is ranked third on the global pollution index. India has 22 of the 30 most polluted cities in the world according to the 'World Air Report, 2020'; Delhi tops the list. With so much smog covering Delhi, curbing air pollution has proven to be a challenge. Also read | New Delhi's indoor air pollution levels worse than outdoors, experts warn The latest statistics from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) indicate that the levels of Particulate Matter 10 (PM 10) and Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) have reached 876 and 680 micrograms per cubic metres, compared to the safe limits of 100 and 60 micrograms per cubic metres respectively. Emissions from vehicles, industries, and power plants, dust from heavy constructions, increased deforestation, waste burning, and seasonal activities like stubble burning during harvest seasons and Diwali fireworks are the major drivers of the poor air quality in the National Capital Region. Delhi's hazardous air pollution puts children at greater risk of developing diseases at a very young age. A recent health survey conducted by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on 413 children aged between 14 years to 17 years in the city suggests that 75 per cent of the children complained about breathlessness, 24.2per cent of children face issues of itchy eyes, 22.3per cent of children complained about runny nose and sneezing, and 20.9 per cent of children complained about coughing in the morning. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country just adds to the ill effects of polluted air. According to a Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health report from 2020, people living in highly polluted cities are more likely to suffer respiratory and heart diseases and to develop COVID-19 symptoms. In November, the Air Quality Index of Delhi remained in a severe category and as per the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR), stubble burning contributed 36 per cent to the city’s air pollution this year. Delhi's increased migration of people just adds to the city's already growing population, resulting in more construction, industries, and energy production, as well as more vehicular emissions. Authorities have taken numerous steps to curb air pollution and improve the quality of air in the country, such as the odd-even traffic rationing scheme, the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojna for cleaner fuels, or the use of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternate fuel for vehicles. However, considering the alarming levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10, clearly, these measures are failing to tackle the crisis. Watch | Mission Sustainability: The right to breathe clean air Battle against air pollution The poorest air quality is often found in cities with high population densities - population density plays a large role in air pollution. The most basic solution to air pollution is to replace fossil fuels with alternative energies such as solar and wind power. However, it is equally imperative to reduce our energy consumption - this can be accomplished by adopting more responsible habits, including sustainable farming practices to prevent the burning of stubble and stabilising human population growth. Air pollution is a silent killer, but it can be curbed with a strong commitment and effective planning.

Out of breath: Population boom and its impact on air pollution

Earth will be home to 8.8 billion souls in 2100, two billion fewer than current UN projections, according to a major study published Wednesday that foresees new global power alignments shaped by declining fertility rates and greying populations.

By century's end, 183 of 195 countries — barring an influx of immigrants — will have fallen below the replacement threshold needed to maintain population levels, an international team of researchers reported in The Lancet.

More than 20 countries — including Japan, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Portugal, South Korea and Poland — will see their numbers diminish by at least half.

China's will fall nearly that much, from 1.4 billion people today to 730 million in 80 years.

Sub-Saharan Africa, meanwhile, will triple in size to some three billion people, with Nigeria alone expanding to almost 800 million in 2100, second only to India's 1.1 billion.

"These forecasts suggest good news for the environment, with less stress on food production systems and lower carbon emissions, as well as a significant economic opportunity for parts of sub-Saharan Africa," lead author Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, told AFP.

"However, most countries outside of Africa will see shrinking workforces and inverting population pyramids, which will have profound negative consequences for the economy."

For high-income countries in this category, the best solutions for sustaining population levels and economic growth will be flexible immigration policies and social support for families who want children, the study concluded.

"However, in the face of the declining population there is a very real danger that some countries might consider policies that restrict access to reproductive health services, with potentially devastating consequences," Murray cautioned.

866 million people over 80

"It is imperative that women's freedom and rights are at the top of every government's development agenda."

Social services and healthcare systems will need to be overhauled to accommodate much older populations.

As fertility falls and life expectancy increases worldwide, the number of children under five is forecast to decline by more than 40 per cent, from 681 million in 2017 to 401 million in 2100, the study found.

At the other end of the spectrum, 2.37 billion people — more than a quarter of the global population — will be over 65 years old by then.

Those over 80 will balloon from about 140 million today to 866 million.

Sharp declines in the number and proportion of the working-age population will also pose huge challenges in many countries.

"Societies will struggle to grow with fewer workers and taxpayers," noted Stein Emil Vollset, a professor at the IHME.

The number of people of working age in China, for example, will plummet from about 950 million today to just over 350 million by the end of the century — a 62 per cent drop.

The decline in India is projected to be less steep, from 762 to 578 million.

In Nigeria, by contrast, the active labour force will expand from 86 million today to more than 450 million in 2100.

These tectonic shifts will also reshuffle the pecking order in terms of economic clout, the researchers forecast.

A new multipolar world

By 2050, China's gross domestic product will overtake that of the United States, but fall back into second place by 2100, they predict.

India's GDP will rise to take the number three spot, while Japan, Germany, France and the UK will stay among the world's 10 largest economies.

Brazil is projected to fall in ranking from eighth today to 13th, and Russia from the number 10 spot to 14th. Historical powers Italy and Spain, meanwhile, declined from the top 15 to 25th and 28th, respectively.

Indonesia could become the 12th largest economy globally, while Nigeria — currently 28th — is projected to crack the top 10.

"By the end of the century, the world will be multipolar, with India, Nigeria, China and the United States the dominant powers," said Richard Horton, describing the study as outlining "radical shifts in geopolitical power."

Until now, the United Nations — which forecasts 8.5, 9.7 and 10.9 billion people in 2030, 2050 and 2100, respectively — has virtually had a monopoly in projecting global population.

The difference between the UN and IHME figures hinges crucially on fertility rates. The so-called "replacement rate" for a stable population is 2.1 births per woman.

UN calculations assume that countries with low fertility today will see those rates increase, on average, to about 1.8 children per woman over time, said Murray.

"Our analysis suggests that as women become more educated and have access to reproductive health services, they choose to have less than 1.5 children on average," he explained by email.

"Continued global population growth through the century is no longer the most likely trajectory for the world's population."

Founded in 2007 and supported by the Bill and &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the IHME had become a global reference for health statistics, especially its annual Global Burden of Disease reports.

Earth will be home to 8.8 billion souls in 2100, two billion fewer than current UN projections, according to a major study published Wednesday that foresees new global power alignments shaped by declining fertility rates and greying populations.

Earth will be home to 8.8 billion souls in 2100, two billion fewer than current UN projections, according to a major study published Wednesday that foresees new global power alignments shaped by declining fertility rates and greying populations. By century's end, 183 of 195 countries — barring an influx of immigrants — will have fallen below the replacement threshold needed to maintain population levels, an international team of researchers reported in The Lancet. More than 20 countries — including Japan, Spain, Italy, Thailand, Portugal, South Korea and Poland — will see their numbers diminish by at least half. China's will fall nearly that much, from 1.4 billion people today to 730 million in 80 years. Sub-Saharan Africa, meanwhile, will triple in size to some three billion people, with Nigeria alone expanding to almost 800 million in 2100, second only to India's 1.1 billion. "These forecasts suggest good news for the environment, with less stress on food production systems and lower carbon emissions, as well as a significant economic opportunity for parts of sub-Saharan Africa," lead author Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, told AFP. "However, most countries outside of Africa will see shrinking workforces and inverting population pyramids, which will have profound negative consequences for the economy." For high-income countries in this category, the best solutions for sustaining population levels and economic growth will be flexible immigration policies and social support for families who want children, the study concluded. "However, in the face of the declining population there is a very real danger that some countries might consider policies that restrict access to reproductive health services, with potentially devastating consequences," Murray cautioned. 866 million people over 80 "It is imperative that women's freedom and rights are at the top of every government's development agenda." Social services and healthcare systems will need to be overhauled to accommodate much older populations. As fertility falls and life expectancy increases worldwide, the number of children under five is forecast to decline by more than 40 per cent, from 681 million in 2017 to 401 million in 2100, the study found. At the other end of the spectrum, 2.37 billion people — more than a quarter of the global population — will be over 65 years old by then. Those over 80 will balloon from about 140 million today to 866 million. Sharp declines in the number and proportion of the working-age population will also pose huge challenges in many countries. "Societies will struggle to grow with fewer workers and taxpayers," noted Stein Emil Vollset, a professor at the IHME. The number of people of working age in China, for example, will plummet from about 950 million today to just over 350 million by the end of the century — a 62 per cent drop. The decline in India is projected to be less steep, from 762 to 578 million. In Nigeria, by contrast, the active labour force will expand from 86 million today to more than 450 million in 2100. These tectonic shifts will also reshuffle the pecking order in terms of economic clout, the researchers forecast. A new multipolar world By 2050, China's gross domestic product will overtake that of the United States, but fall back into second place by 2100, they predict. India's GDP will rise to take the number three spot, while Japan, Germany, France and the UK will stay among the world's 10 largest economies. Brazil is projected to fall in ranking from eighth today to 13th, and Russia from the number 10 spot to 14th. Historical powers Italy and Spain, meanwhile, declined from the top 15 to 25th and 28th, respectively. Indonesia could become the 12th largest economy globally, while Nigeria — currently 28th — is projected to crack the top 10. "By the end of the century, the world will be multipolar, with India, Nigeria, China and the United States the dominant powers," said Richard Horton, describing the study as outlining "radical shifts in geopolitical power." Until now, the United Nations — which forecasts 8.5, 9.7 and 10.9 billion people in 2030, 2050 and 2100, respectively — has virtually had a monopoly in projecting global population. The difference between the UN and IHME figures hinges crucially on fertility rates. The so-called "replacement rate" for a stable population is 2.1 births per woman. UN calculations assume that countries with low fertility today will see those rates increase, on average, to about 1.8 children per woman over time, said Murray. "Our analysis suggests that as women become more educated and have access to reproductive health services, they choose to have less than 1.5 children on average," he explained by email. "Continued global population growth through the century is no longer the most likely trajectory for the world's population." Founded in 2007 and supported by the Bill and & Melinda Gates Foundation, the IHME had become a global reference for health statistics, especially its annual Global Burden of Disease reports.

World population in 2100 could be 2 billion below UN projections: Study

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study&nbsp;published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

The study looked at parenthood desires during the ongoing pandemic crisis using data from 1,482 interviews with people under lockdown, carried out online.

Based on their findings, the scientists, including those from the University of Florence in Italy, said nearly 1,214 (81.9 per cent) of the people did not intend to conceive during the pandemic crisis.

Moreover, 260 participants were planning to have a child before the pandemic, but later abandoned the intention.

According to the researchers, the main reasons that led people to this decision included worries related to future economic difficulties, and any potential consequences on pregnancy due to the infectious disease.

Mental wellbeing during lockdown also had an impact on the desire to have a baby.

Although almost half of the people referred no interruption in their job activity, and no variations of salaries, the scientists said, over 40 per cent of participants reported a worrying reduction of monthly profits.

Despite most people not wanting to conceive during the pandemic, 60 per cent of the 268 correspondents already planning to conceive have carried on in their quest.

About 140 (11.5 per cent) of the people revealed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine.

In most cases, the respondents referred "the will for change", and "the need for positivity" to be the main reasons of this intention.

Only six out of the 140 (4.3 per cent), however effectively tried to get pregnant in this period. 
The study also measured people's reported levels of sexual activity.

About 60 per cent of the couples who were already involved in childbearing attempts, continued in this project and did not report a reduction in the number of sexual intercourses.

Commenting on the limitations of the study, the scientists said, "it is unknown whether these findings will result in a substantial modification of birth rate in the near future."

(with inputs from PTI)

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Lockdowns imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 may not lead to a rise in population, according to a study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study looked at parenthood desires during the ongoing pandemic crisis using data from 1,482 interviews with people under lockdown, carried out online. Based on their findings, the scientists, including those from the University of Florence in Italy, said nearly 1,214 (81.9 per cent) of the people did not intend to conceive during the pandemic crisis. Moreover, 260 participants were planning to have a child before the pandemic, but later abandoned the intention. According to the researchers, the main reasons that led people to this decision included worries related to future economic difficulties, and any potential consequences on pregnancy due to the infectious disease. Mental wellbeing during lockdown also had an impact on the desire to have a baby. Although almost half of the people referred no interruption in their job activity, and no variations of salaries, the scientists said, over 40 per cent of participants reported a worrying reduction of monthly profits. Despite most people not wanting to conceive during the pandemic, 60 per cent of the 268 correspondents already planning to conceive have carried on in their quest. About 140 (11.5 per cent) of the people revealed a new desire for parenthood during quarantine. In most cases, the respondents referred "the will for change", and "the need for positivity" to be the main reasons of this intention. Only six out of the 140 (4.3 per cent), however effectively tried to get pregnant in this period. The study also measured people's reported levels of sexual activity. About 60 per cent of the couples who were already involved in childbearing attempts, continued in this project and did not report a reduction in the number of sexual intercourses. Commenting on the limitations of the study, the scientists said, "it is unknown whether these findings will result in a substantial modification of birth rate in the near future." (with inputs from PTI)

Coronavirus lockdown may not lead to a rise in population, says study

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis.

According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century. But there is already a population crisis hitting major economies across the globe.

The world's most populated country is struggling with a low birth rate. The number of babies being born in China is at its lowest in 70 years.

In 2019, China's birth rate was 10.48 per thousand which is the lowest since 1949. This number is very worrying for a country that is eyeing to be the world's biggest economy.

Soon, China may not have enough working-age population. To add to this, will be the burden of an expanding bracket of retired people. China's situation is similar to that of Japan.

There were 921,000 babies born in Japan in 2018 - 25,000 lesser than the previous year. The Abe administration has termed this a 'national crisis'.

In fact, it is nothing short of one. By 2045, almost 30 per cent of the population in several Japanese districts will be over 75-years old.

Fixated on tighter immigration norms, the Trump administration may not have realised one thing. The United States too is staring at a similar situation.

Last year, the United States recorded the lowest birth rate since 1917 which was when the country was involved in World War I.

The number of births was less than 1 million. Trump's pal Putin, however, was quick to react to the population crisis in Russia.

He told Parliament that the country's birth rate is falling again. Russia's current average birth rate is 1.5 per woman.

Putin aims to increase this to 1.7 in 4 years. And for this, Putin has announced some welfare benefits. A demographic timebomb is also ticking in South Korea.

The country has the lowest fertility rate in the world with an average South Korean woman having just 1.1. children.

The biggest contributing factor here is South Korea's 'Sampo Generation' which believes in giving up relationships, marriage and children.

For the rest of the world, the following factors are contributing to the population slowdown:

1. A decline in fertility rate

2. The growing role of women in the world economy

3. A change in social expectation

4. Women choosing to have their first child much later in their lives

Now, India is one major economy that does not share this demographic crisis. In fact, India is expected to show the highest population growth in the next 8 years. So, can India present a solution to the global population crisis?

Yes, India can and it has the numbers. At 17.5 million, the Indian diaspora is already the largest in the world. While major economies are anxious of producing an adequate workforce.&nbsp;

India has a strong population of well-educated and highly-skilled youth. From exporting manpower to importing jobs, India can help in plugging this population gap worldwide.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis. According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century.

The world's population is slowing down. Chances are, our footfall on earth may stop increasing on a year on year basis. According to experts, this will happen by the end of the century. But there is already a population crisis hitting major economies across the globe. The world's most populated country is struggling with a low birth rate. The number of babies being born in China is at its lowest in 70 years. In 2019, China's birth rate was 10.48 per thousand which is the lowest since 1949. This number is very worrying for a country that is eyeing to be the world's biggest economy. Soon, China may not have enough working-age population. To add to this, will be the burden of an expanding bracket of retired people. China's situation is similar to that of Japan. There were 921,000 babies born in Japan in 2018 - 25,000 lesser than the previous year. The Abe administration has termed this a 'national crisis'. In fact, it is nothing short of one. By 2045, almost 30 per cent of the population in several Japanese districts will be over 75-years old. Fixated on tighter immigration norms, the Trump administration may not have realised one thing. The United States too is staring at a similar situation. Last year, the United States recorded the lowest birth rate since 1917 which was when the country was involved in World War I. The number of births was less than 1 million. Trump's pal Putin, however, was quick to react to the population crisis in Russia. He told Parliament that the country's birth rate is falling again. Russia's current average birth rate is 1.5 per woman. Putin aims to increase this to 1.7 in 4 years. And for this, Putin has announced some welfare benefits. A demographic timebomb is also ticking in South Korea. The country has the lowest fertility rate in the world with an average South Korean woman having just 1.1. children. The biggest contributing factor here is South Korea's 'Sampo Generation' which believes in giving up relationships, marriage and children. For the rest of the world, the following factors are contributing to the population slowdown: 1. A decline in fertility rate 2. The growing role of women in the world economy 3. A change in social expectation 4. Women choosing to have their first child much later in their lives Now, India is one major economy that does not share this demographic crisis. In fact, India is expected to show the highest population growth in the next 8 years. So, can India present a solution to the global population crisis? Yes, India can and it has the numbers. At 17.5 million, the Indian diaspora is already the largest in the world. While major economies are anxious of producing an adequate workforce. India has a strong population of well-educated and highly-skilled youth. From exporting manpower to importing jobs, India can help in plugging this population gap worldwide.

Explained: Why population crisis is looming over global economies

population-boom

Population Boom, News on Population Boom, stories on Population Boom, articles on Population Boom, Population Boom stories at Wion, Population Boom news, Population Boom latest news

population boom