The end is in sight for the world’s population explosion. A report in this
week’s Nature(vol 412, p 543) welcomes new predictions that the number
of people on Earth will decline after peaking in around 2070. However, it warns
that nations will struggle with social and economic challenges because the ratio
of elderly to young people will rise dramatically. In Japan, for instance, half
the population is likely to be 60 or over by the end of the century.
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Environment
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
Comment
Technology
Record-breaking IBM chip uses trick to cram in 100 billion transistors
News
ÎçÒ¹¸£Àû1000¼¯ºÏ
Bacteria-killing viruses redirect vaccine immunity to destroy cancer
News
Humans
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Woman with Alzheimer's starts conversing again after taking psilocybin
2
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
3
Possible signs of ancient life on Mars are rich in complex carbon
4
You should turn off fans when it's too hot – but how hot is too hot?
5
The best sci-fi novel in 2026 so far – plus 6 other great reads
6
Parenting may permanently improve brain health for mums and dads
7
Screwworm could be the first species targeted by an 'extinction drive'
8
Lost books by ancient philosophers recovered from 'unreadable' scrolls
9
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
10
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
