WORLD POPULATION LEAP TO 7 BILLION
According to the United Nations on October 31, 2011 the global demographic projection is now estimated to have reached 7 Billion from the previous 6 billion ascertained on October 12, 1999 that had been increasing steadily geometrically right now at the rate of around 1.10% per year.
It could be said that at every tick of the clock, at each second – a child is born while the earth trudge along chronologically. Is there a reason to applaud this demographic feat and roll out the drum to celebrate? After all Christian scriptural injunction says, “…multiply, subdue and replenish the earth”.
From all indications and critical examination of human activities on earth for the past thousands of years with respect to populating the earth by reproducing our kind and in exploring the mineral endowments of the earth via oil and gas explorations, mining and industrial activities, it is unprecedented and overwhelming with little consideration for revamping of the earth endowment.
There is no gainsaying it that our ecological abode is in dire need of sustaining from our overbearing imposition on utilizing the earth resources to the detriment of not only the co-existence and thriving of live (Plants, Animals & Human) on earth but also the atmospheric chemical equilibrium. The resultant effects of this are evident in global cases of: inadequate health provision, water shortages, soil exhaustion; loss of forests, air and water pollution, and degradation of coastlines.
The global challenge is on, as world’s population grows, the developed economies are struggling to regenerate resources faster than they are used up for industrial and technological advancement; while improving living standards and guaranteeing united nations millennium development goals in developing nations without destroying the environment has become a most topical issue to address.
There are loads of empirical evidences to support the fact that human activities in the quest to satisfy our human needs – survival and ostentatious, have posted greater danger to our ecological environment than any known circumstance or being. This is why it’s quite logical to juxtapose population figure with sustainable living, critically looking at the subject of sustainability – preservation of live from the focal view of the cause and effect of increase in demographic variables, apparently we record more births than deaths these days; more people to live in cities and towns overstressing infrastructural facilities and generating huge waste which could lead to slum formation, more people to build houses and industries by felling trees, dispelling greenery and displacing the wild.
Here with us are health challenges resulting from poor sanitary living, congestion, water and air pollution. Food insecurity, which a study observed by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in 105 developing countries report cases of population growing faster than food supplies and degradation of about 2 billion hectares of arable land due to population pressures in 64 of those countries. And as population grows, demands for water are soaring.
It is estimated that by 2025 when projected world population peaks at 8 billion, 48 countries having about 3 billion people will face shortages. On the contrary, US Census Bureau projection of when the 7 billion mark will be reached is indicated as February 2012. Even at this the threat of population explosion is a reality requiring affirmative action in other to set in motion palliative measures that could slow down population growth there about improving living standards.
With improved living standards that incorporates using energy more efficiently, managing our cities sustainably; effective management of water resources and protection of freshwater sources, promotion of green economy initiatives and real time management of coastal zones and protection of biodiversity. Without mincing words the only way to go is going green, embracing sustainable living and development.
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WORLD POPULATION LEAP TO 7 BILLION
According to the United Nations on October 31, 2011 the global demographic projection is now estimated to have reached 7 Billion from the previous 6 billion ascertained on October 12, 1999 that had been increasing steadily geometrically right now at the rate of around 1.10% per year.
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