World Population Day: Reflecting on our growing World and shared responsibility

Every year on July 11, the world pauses to observe World Population Day, a day established by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989. The occasion serves as a reminder to reflect upon one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today: population growth and its far-reaching implications.

- MOHAMMAD HANIEF

As the global population exceeds 8 billion (a milestone crossed in November 2022), this day calls for critical discussions on sustainability, health, development, equity, and the planet's future.

World Population Day was inspired by the "Day of Five Billion", observed on July 11, 1987, when the global population reached five billion. The UNDP decided to designate this day as an annual event to draw attention to the urgency and importance of population issues. From reproductive health and gender equality to education and environmental sustainability, the day emphasizes the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of living in an evermore populous world.

As of mid-2025, the world's population is estimated to be over 8.1 billion. The rapid increase is primarily concentrated in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. Conversely, many developed nations, including Japan, Germany, and Italy, are facing stagnating or declining populations due to aging demographics and lower birth rates.

This demographic divide presents a complex picture. While some countries grapple with overpopulation and its strain on resources, others face labour shortages, aging populations, and the social and economic challenges that follow.

One of the core concerns linked to population growth is the strain on natural resources. More people require more food, water, housing, energy, and infrastructure. This puts pressure on agriculture, water sources, forests, and ecosystems. Urbanization, a direct result of population growth, contributes to deforestation, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), if current consumption and production patterns continue, and with a rising population, the global ecological footprint could exceed the Earth's capacity to regenerate by more than 50% by 2030.