Earth's population reaches eight billion people as of November 15, 2022. (Image: Yur4you | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko

Earth’s population reaches new milestone

Nov 16, 2022 | 11:22 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The United Nations (UN) says the world has reached a new milestone with a population of eight billion people.

According to its World Population Prospects 2022 report, the global population was expected to hit eight billion people as of Tuesday, November 15, 2022.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres says it is a significant milestone.

“This is an occasion to celebrate our diversity, recognize our common humanity, and marvel at advancements in health that have extended lifespans and dramatically reduced maternal and child mortality rates,” says Guterres. “At the same time, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our planet and a moment to reflect on where we still fall short of our commitments to one another.”

According to the UN report, Earth’s population reached seven billion back in October 2011. The UN predicts that the world’s population could reach 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. The population is expected to reach a peak of about 10.4 billion during the 2080’s and remain at that level until 2100.

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Overall population growth is at its lowest level since 1950, having fallen to less than one per cent in 2020.

The UN report says approximately two-thirds of the population growth over the next 28 years is expected to be concentrated in eight countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines and the United Republic of Tanzania. Countries of sub-Saharan Africa are expected to contribute more than half of the increase anticipated through 2050.

In 2023, India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most heavily populated country.

Between 2022 and 2050, China’s population is forecast to fall from 1.426 billion to 1.317 billion. Conversely, India’s population is set to increase from 1.412 billion to 1.668 billion.

The U.S. population is expected to grow by 38 million during the same period, rising from 337 million to 375 million.

The UN report did not mention trends in Canada’s population.

Statistics Canada says the Canadian population was just over 38.9 million as of July 1, 2022. Stats Can forecasts the country will grow to between 44.9 million and 74 million by 2068.

The full United Nations World Population Prospects 2022 report can be accessed on the United Nations website.

Read more about the 2021 Canadian census in the LNN articles below:

Updated census counts for Southern Alberta, Lethbridge population reaches 98,406

Census: Canada is aging, breakdown of Southern Alberta communities

Lethbridge home to nearly 400 trans and non-binary people: Census

Religious and ethnic demographics in Lethbridge, Alberta and Canada: Census

Census: Lethbridge welcomed 3,645 immigrants between 2016-2021