Global population to peak at 10.8bn before decline: UN report

**Global Population to Peak at 10.8 Billion Before Declining: UN Report**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 30, 2025, 05:08 PM*

The global population is projected to grow until around 2080, reaching a peak of approximately 10.8 billion people, before beginning to decline, according to a recent United Nations report. By the year 2100, the world’s population could decrease by nearly 100 million from its peak.

### Birth Rates and the Decline

The anticipated decline is expected to be most significant in wealthy, developed nations. Factors such as increased education and rights for women are influencing family planning decisions, leading to falling birth rates.

Sociologist Stuart Gietel-Basten from Hong Kong University described low fertility rates as indicative of “broken systems and broken institutions” that hinder people from having their desired family sizes. He referred to this trend as a “real crisis.”

Economic considerations also contribute to the decline, with rising living costs making parenthood a less appealing option for many individuals and families.

### Social Implications

The potential decrease in global population raises concerns about the sustainability of social programs, especially those designed to support the elderly. Some have controversially proposed taxing individuals who opt not to have children as a means to address these challenges.

However, many experts argue against punitive approaches. Instead, they emphasize the need for systemic changes that support family planning choices and help maintain a balanced population globally.

### Addressing the Challenges

Experts speaking with *Nature* recommend adopting more progressive social policies to counter the decline. These include paid parental leave, reducing the costs associated with child care, and eliminating child poverty.

Rebecca Zerzan, senior editor of the UN Population Fund’s *State of World Population* report, highlighted that such policies can create conditions where “people are happier, healthier, and able to pursue education alongside work.”

### Conclusion

The projected population peak and subsequent decline present significant challenges but also opportunities for policy reform. Supporting individuals and families through progressive measures may help stabilize global population trends while improving quality of life worldwide.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/world-population-will-decline-by-100m-before-year-2100-un/story

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