In the coming days, a baby will be born, most likely in the Asia-Pacific region, which is estimated to take the world's population to 7 billion.



Just 12 years ago it reached 6 billion, and in less than a decade its forecast to reach 8 billion.



Challenges loom ahead, not just for Katie Melua's lyrics, but for the sharing of the planet's land and resources.

But what can we do?

In microbiology, its known as exponential growth, when bacterial populations rocket dramatically, only to drop even more dramatically when their culture/nutrient source has been exhausted.

Perhaps we don't really care. Yes there is already huge competition and conflict for resources, but we won't be around for the more serious phase.

Too many people on the planet, what a shock to find that out. 4 billion is about right or 3 at least, we have to put a limit on families. After the second child get the clip free of charge, thats what will have to happen!

Soylent Green will solve all our problems

We need more Gay people!

They will have to put a limit on children at some stage. Before it gets too bad.

Why not put a limit on the increasingly obese adults who consume too much ?

Limit your consumption, put a restrictor on your wallet and stomach?

The biggest problem will be access to water. With water all around us and almost daily rainfall I think we have that covered. Though it wouldn't surprise me if a future government screwed that up FAS style.

Many regions in hotter climates and with denser populations will struggle though - it will inevitably lead to conflicts, famine and all-out warfare.

Hopefully advances in water purification and water sharing treaties will alleviate some of the troubled spots.

However, we will likely see vast population movements that could overwhelm and destabilise whatever region they migrate to.

Water is the real liquid gold, and will indeed be the highest commodity stake in the near future.
Unless Shale Gas exploitation destroys the water resources before that...

Although the number of humans on the planet has reached another all time high at 7 billlion, the rate of population increase in slowing. Back in the 1960s and 70s, there were alarmist projections of 10 billion+ by today which thankfuly hasn't materialised. This slowdown in population growth is largely attributed to smaller families in developing countries, thanks to improving standards of female education, women's empowerment and birth control programmes.

Another, more significant milestone has not been mentioned. For the first time in its history, over 50 per cent of humanity now live in urban areas. Earth is now a urbanised planet.

Should we also thank China for their one child policy?

How could anyone accurately know that one more birth would make 7 billion. What a lot of nonsense. Lets not waste anymore time on this stupid thread.

In fairness OP does not claim scientific exactitude but refers to a symbolic milestone, based on a what demographics have to rely on: punctual estimations.
The order of magnitude is reliable, even if the exact amount is not.

I can see why you call yourself Godlike.

I do not.
It is the standard tagline for people who did not chose a "Godlike" name...