Under-population set to affect the Earth

Published: 13 November 2011

THE world's population has just passed the seven billion mark.

It is cause for celebration according to the Population Research Institute (PRI).

It points out that in the year 1800, with one billion of us, average per capita income in current dollars was $100 per year.

Today, with seven billion people, it is $9000. The organisation tells us that the world can produce enough food to feed everyone on earth 3500 calories per day.

PRI refers us to the United Nations Population Division Low Variant Projection.

It has the world's population peaking at about eight billion by about 2040, but the average age will be a lot older.

"It is not over-population, but under-population that looms as the problem," says PRI.

As the years go by, with decreasing numbers and an aging population, the world will not have enough younger people to start families, businesses or drive the economy.

ROBERT BOM
Rockhampton, Qld