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The University of Southampton
Biological Sciences

World population at 7 Billion

Published: 27 October 2011

United Nations demography experts predict world population will reach 7-billion by the end of October 2011, with the 7-billionth person born on the 31st of the month.

Scientists at the University of Southampton have been joining the debate to discuss what the birth of the 7-billionth person will mean for the world, and the challenges ahead as the global population continues to grow.

Professor Guy Poppy, Director of Multidisciplinary Research and Professor of Ecology at the University of Southampton has appeared alongside leading scientific experts to comment on the impact of this significant moment:

“The birth of the 7 billionth citizen is evidence of human ability to successfully continue to adapt," says Professor Poppy. "However the challenge of continuing to have food, energy and water security whilst minimising our environmental footprint is great. The solutions will only come from using knowledge from many disciplines being pieced together to allow informed and objective decision making by individuals, organisations and governments.”

The birth of the 7 billionth citizen is evidence of human ability to successfully continue to adapt

Professor Guy Poppy - Director of Multidisciplinary Research and Professor of Ecology
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