World population question that I'm contemplating

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In summary, the conversation discusses the expected population growth and potential food shortages in the next 40 years. The Earth's population is projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by 2100, an increase from the current 7.2 billion. The topic of food production and potential starvation is also brought up, with the question of how many people will be starving in 40 years compared to the current 850 million. The conversation ends with a link to an article discussing the projected population growth.
  • #1
noobphysicist
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The most recent world population doubling has occurred in about 40 years. Suppose that
the next doubling also occurs in 40 years, but that agricultural progress also manages to
double food production. Then how many people will be starving 40 years from now, as
compared to the numbers starving now (which are about 850 million). What do you think?
 
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In the next ~40 years the Earth's population is predicted to be 9.6 billion, up from the current 7.2 billion, so you are wrong right out of the gate. And that's the new *higher* estimates.

UNITED NATIONS -- Earth's human population is expected to coast upward to 9.6 billion by 2050 and 10.9 billion by 2100, up from 7.2 billion people alive today, a United Nations agency has projected.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=human-population-growth-creeps-back-up
 
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1. What is the current world population?

The current world population is estimated to be around 7.9 billion people as of August 2021. This number is constantly changing due to factors such as births, deaths, and migration.

2. How has the world population changed over time?

The world population has been steadily increasing over time. In 1950, the world population was around 2.5 billion, and it has more than tripled since then. The rate of population growth has slowed down in recent years, but the population is still projected to continue increasing in the future.

3. What factors contribute to changes in world population?

There are several factors that contribute to changes in world population, including birth rates, death rates, immigration, and emigration. Economic and social factors can also play a role in population growth or decline.

4. Is overpopulation a concern for the world?

Many scientists and experts believe that overpopulation is a concern for the world, as it can lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and social and economic issues. However, there is also debate on the potential impact of technological advancements and resource management on the issue of overpopulation.

5. What is being done to address the issue of world population?

There are various efforts being made to address the issue of world population, including family planning initiatives, education on population growth and its impact, and sustainable development practices. Governments, organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in finding solutions to this complex issue.

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