Global Population Growth

Summary. On 15 November 2022, the world's population reached 8 billion people, a milestone in human development. While it took the global population 12 years to grow from 7 to 8 billion, it will take approximately 15 years—until 2037— for it to reach 9 billion, a sign that the overall growth rate of the global population is slowing. Moreover, the population is projected to continue growing for the next 50 to 60 years, peaking at approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080. Population growth across the world is a major issue that affects the economy, environment, health, and social structures. This challenge is especially severe in developing countries, where limited resources and fewer economic opportunities turn overpopulation into a major driver of poverty.