How can 8 billion people sustainably share a planet? | DW News

Summary

The world's population has reached 8 billion, with a projected peak of 10.4 billion by the 2080s. India's population, set to surpass China by next year, presents unique challenges such as resource scarcity and unemployment. In a Mumbai-focused segment, residents share the city's intense pressures due to overpopulation. Dr. Aparajita, an expert from the International Institute for Population Sciences, highlights India's declining fertility rates and growth potential. While northern states are still catching up in fertility decline, education, healthcare access, and skill-building are seen as key to ensuring India's sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The world's population has reached 8 billion, with expectations of reaching 10.4 billion by the 2080s, as per the United Nations.
• 🌍 Population growth is concentrated in eight countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India.
• 📈 India is projected to surpass China's population by next year, presenting challenges such as resource scarcity, unemployment, and climate impact.
• 🚇 Mumbai, India's most populous city with over 20 million people, struggles with overcrowded public transportation and limited infrastructure.
• 🏙️ Many residents of Mumbai, especially migrant workers, face difficulties with housing, sanitation, and basic living facilities due to rapid population growth.
• 📉 India's fertility rate has declined significantly, reaching replacement-level fertility earlier than expected.
• 🇮🇳 India’s population growth rate has been slowing since the 1980s, and it is projected to reach a peak of 1.6 billion by 2050.
• 📚 Regional differences in population growth exist in India, with northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar contributing more to growth, while southern states face challenges of aging populations.
• 💡 The government’s population control measures have had some success, but experts suggest a shift from sterilization-focused programs to more diverse contraception options.
• 💼 Experts believe that with investment in education, skills development, healthcare, and innovation, India’s large population can be a positive asset in addressing labor shortages and economic growth challenges.

Q & A

What is the world's current population according to the United Nations?

The world's population has reached 8 billion, according to the United Nations.

What is the projected peak population by the 2080s, and in which countries is most of this growth expected to occur?

The population is projected to peak at around 10.4 billion by the 2080s, with most of the growth concentrated in eight countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and India.

How does India's population growth compare to China's, and what is expected to happen by next year?

By next year, India is expected to surpass China in population, becoming the world's most populous country.

What challenges are anticipated as India's population grows?

Challenges include resource scarcity, rising unemployment, strain on healthcare, and the impact on climate.

What is the current population of Mumbai, and what challenges do its residents face?

Mumbai has over 20 million residents, and challenges include housing shortages, inadequate sanitation, and overstretched basic facilities due to rapid population growth.

How has migration influenced Mumbai's population growth, and why do people continue to migrate there?

Mumbai's population has grown by 8 million people in the last 30 years, largely due to migration. People continue to migrate because Mumbai is seen as a land of opportunity, despite the harsh living conditions.

What has been the trend in India's fertility rate, and how does this affect its population growth?

India’s fertility rate has significantly declined and has reached replacement level fertility, meaning population growth is slowing down. India is projected to reach a population of 1.6 billion by 2050.

Is India prepared to sustain a population of 1.6 billion people?

Dr. Apara believes that India can sustain a population of 1.6 billion, especially if efforts are made to improve education, skill development, and healthcare access.

Why are certain regions in India contributing more to population growth than others?

Northern states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have higher population growth due to later access to education and healthcare, but these states are expected to catch up in the next decade.

What role does migration play in addressing regional population challenges in India?

Migration could help address regional population challenges by redistributing the labor force, especially as southern states experience aging populations and labor shortages.

How has India's approach to population control differed from China’s?

India has been more liberal than China in its population control measures, offering a wider choice of contraceptive methods. While sterilization has been emphasized in the past, there is now a push for other methods of contraception and more emphasis on education and skill development.