The world’s population has reached 6.6 billion and continues to increase by large numbers particularly in the regions least able to ensure the health, stability, and prosperity of the population.

On the current track, the world’s population will rise to be more than 9 billion by the year 2050.

• The world’s population growth remains far too rapid.
• Resource scarcity is very real, especially considering the impact of rising populations on the Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
• The rapid growth of populations in the poorest countries hinders economic development, condemns children in poor countries to continued poverty, and threatens global political stability.