Welcome!

'Our analysis of these data show that world population can be expected to increase from the current 7.2 billion people to 9.6 billion in 2050 and 10.9 billion in 2100'  (Gerland et al, 2014)

Now that's a lot of people!

Welcome to my blog - a blog based around the subject of population. The main focus of this blog will be centred around the report published in September by Gerland et al, 2014 which analyses UN population projections based on data until 2012 to conclude that population will not stop rising within this century. Is this estimate accurate or will we see a different population pattern unfold? 

Source: Gerland et al, 2014

It feels only like 2 minutes ago when I was sitting in a Geography class on the 31st October 2011 discussing the fact that this was the day in which we lived amongst 7 billion people. This seemed scary enough back then, but the thought that population will not stabilise in this century is an even more frightening concept.

My blog will use this report as a starting point, looking at the history of population estimates and arguments which run counter to the report.  I will also look at policy implications for the report.

However, the underlying tone of this blog and a subject which i will continue to revert back to, is the effect of increased population on the global environment. How will the planet cope with an increased number of people and indeed WILL it cope? This is a point which i will continue to examine from different standpoints throughout the blog. 

I hope you enjoy reading!