In a new report released by the United Nations (UN), it has been revealed that the world's population is set to peak and decline earlier than previously estimated. The report, titled World Population Prospects 2024, delves into population forecasts for 237 countries or areas and offers revisions to previous estimates.

According to the report, the global population currently stands at around 8.2 billion in 2024. However, the number of humans is projected to rise to approximately 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s before falling to around 10.2 billion by the end of the 21st century. These figures indicate an earlier and lower peak than what was previously predicted.

One of the main factors contributing to this earlier population peak is declining birth rates in many parts of the world. This trend is particularly prominent in some of the world's largest countries. China, for instance, has recently experienced a decline in population for the first time since the 1960s. Similar patterns are being observed in countries such as Japan, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and South Korea.

"The demographic landscape has evolved greatly in recent years. In some countries, the birth rate is now even lower than previously anticipated, and we are also seeing slightly faster declines in some high-fertility regions," stated Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

While the earlier and lower population peak is seen as a positive sign, with reduced environmental pressures expected due to lower aggregate consumption, it does not negate the need for efforts to reduce the impact of each individual's activities.

The report highlights that the population has already peaked in at least 63 countries and areas, including China, Germany, Japan, and Russia. In these countries, the population is estimated to decrease by 14 percent over the next 30 years. In 48 other countries and regions, such as Brazil, Iran, Türkiye, and Vietnam, the population is expected to reach its peak between 2025 and 2054.

However, in 126 additional countries, including India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the United States, population growth is projected to continue until 2054, with the peak possibly occurring in the latter half of the century or even later. Notably, nine countries, such as Angola, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, and Somalia, are expected to experience a significant population boom, with their total population doubling between 2024 and 2054.

It is important to note that these population forecasts are not definitive, and other researchers may have slightly different conclusions. However, regardless of the specific numbers, all forecasts indicate a global population decline in the future. This decline, when it occurs, will mark the first time since the Black Death in the 14th century that the global human population has decreased, leading to substantial changes in the way humans live and the organization of the world.

As the world prepares for these changes, it is crucial to focus on sustainable practices and ensure that resources are managed effectively to address the challenges and opportunities that will arise with a declining global population.