by Josie Dike–The United Nations News (news.un.org), predicted the world population hit 8 billion in November.
Although the human population has grown rapidly; nearly 12 years have passed since it hit 7 billion. The growth rate has slowed down rapidly and it is possible that in the next few decades Earth’s population could begin to shrink.
For many, the population growth raises concerns about the environmental impact and challenges that humanity may face. However, the UN’s prediction of a shrinking population in the years ahead could mitigate any further environmental damages.
Morningside student Chaise Pfanstiel said there are too many people and possibly too many for our planet. “I fear that the environment is going to keep changing because of us and there won’t be enough resources for animals or people anymore,” she said.
Gabe Marthaler agrees with Pfanstiel, adding, “In the years to come, the decrease in population could help the Earth’s natural resources reboot and maybe we wouldn’t be such a nuisance to the planet.”
The ultimatum is that planet Earth is infested with the human population but really we can’t help it. To end on a positive note, 8 billion people means that there are 8 billion opportunities to make a change.
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