seven billion

Today was 7 Billion Day. We unofficially officially now reside on this planet we call earth with 7 billion other humans. And that is a hell of a lot of people. The driving force behing the human population growth can be found in Africa, Asia and especially India. While the world is worried about oil prices and fossil fuels it might be better if we started worrying about how we are going to provide food and water for all those 7 billion mouths and the billions more to come in the coming decades. Bad family planning might be the killer of us all.

Chinese 104-year-old twins Cao Xiaoqiao (R) and her elder sister Cao Daqiao look at each other on the outskirts of Shiqiaozi town in Zhucheng, Shandong province in this file picture, June 18, 2009. The world’s population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations,

which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Stringer/Files

Elderly people practice Tai Chi Chuan, a Chinese form of martial arts, as part of an assistance program for older adults organized by the Gerontological Association Costarricense in San Jose September 27, 2011. According to the National Council for the Elderly (Conapan), adults aged 60 and up comprise 9.5 percent of the total population of almost 5 million inhabitants and it is estimated that in the next five years the adult population will grow by 15 percent. The authorities indicate that the Costa Rican population faces an aging problem because of the process of demographic and socioeconomic shifts as well as rapid development of science and technology. According to the U.N., the world population will reach seven billion this year, making the population almost quarter what it was in 1960. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate

A elderly woman undergoes therapy in a pool on the premises of the Gerontological Association Costarricense in San Jose September 27, 2011. According to the National Council for the Elderly (Conapan), adults aged 60 and up comprise 9.5 percent of the total population of almost 5 million inhabitants and it is estimated that in the next five years the adult population will grow by 15 percent. The authorities indicate that the Costa Rican population faces an aging problem because of the process of demographic and socioeconomic shifts as well as rapid development of science and technology. According to the U.N., the world population will reach seven billion this year, making the population almost quarter what it was in 1960. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate

A woman lays out corn for drying on a street on the outskirts of Beijing in this October 14, 2007 file photo. The world's most populous nation is expected to triple corn purchases next crop year and, by its own admission, become a significant importer by 2015, putting more strain on global food supplies at a time when inflation is gnawing away at economic growth and the population nears seven billion. To match Analysis REUTERS/David Gray/Files

A farmer piles up corn in front of her house in Changzhi, Shanxi province in this October 21, 2009 file photo. The world's most populous nation is expected to triple corn purchases next crop year and, by its own admission, become a significant importer by 2015, putting more strain on global food supplies at a time when inflation is gnawing away at economic growth and the population nears seven billion. To match Analysis REUTERS/Stringer/Files

A booth selling pedestrians tickets for rides north awaits business at the U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro, California September 27, 2011. With over 13 million vehicles a year, 24 lanes of traffic and 18,000 pedestrians a day, the task of risk management happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the U.S.-Mexican border in San Ysidro, California. Hundreds of customs and border protection officers use sophisticated technology to protect the busiest land border crossing in the U.S. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake

A United States flag (C) flies between the state flag of California (L) and a McDonald's restaurant flag at the border in San Ysidro, California September 27, 2011. With over 13 million vehicles a year, 24 lanes of traffic and 18,000 pedestrians a day, the task of risk management happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the U.S.-Mexican border in San Ysidro, California. Hundreds of customs and border protection officers use sophisticated technology to protect the busiest land border crossing in the U.S. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake

A marker on the road signifies the border line between the United States and Mexico at the border crossing in San Ysidro, California September 27, 2011. With over 13 million vehicles a year, 24 lanes of traffic and 18,000 pedestrians a day, the task of risk management happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the U.S.-Mexican border in San Ysidro, California. Hundreds of customs and border protection officers use sophisticated technology to protect the busiest land border crossing in the U.S. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Motorists wait in lanes of traffic heading into the United States from Mexico at the U.S. border crossing in San Ysidro, California September 27, 2011. With over 13 million vehicles a year, 24 lanes of traffic and 18,000 pedestrians a day, the task of risk management happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the U.S.-Mexican border in San Ysidro, California. Hundreds of customs and border protection officers use sophisticated technology to protect the busiest land border crossing in the U.S. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken September 27, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Public housing blocks are seen at Yau Tong district in Hong Kong September 12, 2011. This southern Chinese city is described as a concrete forest, famous for the number of high rise commercial and residential towers. About 25 percent of the world's tallest 100 residential buildings that stand at least 200 meters tall are in the territory. The world's population is projected to reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken September 12, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Public housing blocks are seen at Yau Tong district in Hong Kong September 12, 2011. This southern Chinese city is described as a concrete forest, famous for the number of high-rise commercial and residential towers. About 25 percent of the world's tallest 100 residential buildings that stand at least 200 meters tall are in the territory. The world's population is projected to reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken September 12, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

People cross a street in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong, October 4, 2011. Mong Kok has the highest population density in the world, with 130,000 in one square kilometre. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken October 4, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Neon signs are illuminated in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong, October 4, 2011. Mong Kok has the highest population density in the world, with 130,000 in one square kilometre. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken with a long exposure and lens zoom effect. Picture taken October 4, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

People cross a street in Mong Kok district in Hong Kong, October 4, 2011. Mong Kok has the highest population density in the world, with 130,000 in one square kilometre. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken October 4, 2011. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

A decomposed fish lies in the water as workers pick up oil balls from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Waveland, Mississippi in this July 7, 2010 file photo. BP Plc has accepted a $4 billion payment from partner Anadarko Petroleum toward the Gulf of Mexico oil spill clean-up, far less than it might have won in court, but a deal that could reduce the overall cost of the disaster for the British group. BP said on October 17, 2011 that as part of the deal, Anadarko will no longer pursue its allegations of gross negligence against BP and that the deal excludes possible government fines the parties may have to pay. REUTERS/Lee Celano/Files

A traditional Mongolian tent is seen near Zuunkharaa city, Selenge province, 200km northeast of Ulan Bator October 12, 2011. Mongolia is the world's least densely populated country, with 2.7 million people spread across an area three times the size of France, two-fifths in rural areas on wind swept steppes. According to a 2010 National Population Center census, every year between thirty to forty thousand people migrate from the countryside to the capital Ulan Bator. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken October 12, 2011 REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Javzansuren, 72, herds his sheep in Shivert, 200km northeast of Ulan Bator October 12, 2011. Mongolia is the world's least densely populated country, with 2.7 million people spread across an area three times the size of France, two-fifths in rural areas on wind swept steppes. According to a 2010 National Population Center census, every year between thirty to forty thousand people migrate from the countryside to the capital Ulan Bator. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken October 12, 2011 REUTERS/Carlos Barria

A traditional Mongolian ger is seen at night in Shivert, 200km northeast of Ulan Bator October 12, 2011. Mongolia is the world's least densely populated country, with 2.7 million people spread across an area three times the size of France, two-fifths in rural areas on wind swept steppes. According to a 2010 National Population Center census, every year between thirty to forty thousand people migrate from the countryside to the capital Ulan Bator. The world's population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31, 2011, according to official U.N. population projections, presenting what the United Nations Population Fund called both a challenge and an opportunity. Picture taken October 12, 2011 REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Wheat is harvested on the Stephen and Brian Vandervalk farm near Fort MacLeod, Alberta, September 26, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. Picture taken September 26, 2011. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Combines harvest wheat on the Stephen and Brian Vandervalk farm near Fort MacLeod,, Alberta, September 26, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. Picture taken September 26, 2011. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Dan Laramee walks on grain railway cars as he loads wheat from the Canadian prairies at the Pioneer grain elevator in Carseland, Alberta, October 2, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Dan Laramee walks between grain railway cars as he loads wheat from the Canadian prairies at the Pioneer grain elevator in Carseland, Alberta, October 2, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Grain inspector Jim Dolan inspects wheat from the Canadian prairies at the Pioneer grain elevator in Carseland, Alberta, October 2, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Wheat from the Canadian prairies gets loaded into grain cars at the Pioneer grain elevator in Carseland, Alberta, October 2, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Todd Korol

Rail cars loaded with canadian wheat travel through the Rocky Mountains on the Canadian Pacific railway line near Banff, Alberta, October 6, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Todd Korol

A wheat train pulls up next to a cargo ship at the Alliance Grain Terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia October 6, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Ben Nelms

People walk in an apartment building in central Auckland October 19, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken October 19, 2011. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

Students perform martial arts during a competition at a high school in Nanjing, Jiangsu province October 20, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Sean Yong

Bikmawi, granddaughter of Ziona, looks out from the window of her room at their residence in Baktawng in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram, October 5, 2011. Ziona is the head of a religious sect called Chana, which allows polygamy and was founded by his father Chana in 1942. Ziona has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren. He lives in his 4 storey 100-room house with 181 members of his family. The world's population will reach seven billion on October, 31 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Ziona's family members wave from a vehicle on their way to a church construction sitein Baktawng village in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram, October 5, 2011. Ziona is the head of a religious sect called Chana, which allows polygamy and was founded by his father Chana in 1942. Ziona has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren. He lives in his 4 storey 100-room house with 181 members of his family. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Villagers roast a pig for lunch for Ziona's family in Baktawng village in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram, October 5, 2011. Ziona is the head of a religious sect called Chana, which allows polygamy and was founded by his father Chana in 1942. Ziona has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren. He lives in his 4 storey 100-room house with 181 members of his family. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Family members of Ziona (R) poses for group photograph outside their residence in Baktawng village in the northeastern Indian state of Mizoram, October 7, 2011. Ziona is the head of a religious sect called Chana, which allows polygamy and was founded by his father Chana in 1942. Ziona has 39 wives, 94 children and 33 grandchildren. He lives in his 4 storey 100-room house with 181 members of his family. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

A girl climbs a ladder to reach her home, constructed atop apartment-style tombs, in a cemetery in Navotas city, north of Manila October 20, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Apartment-style tombs are those that are laid one on top of another and are a cheaper alternative for many cash-strapped Filipinos. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco

People walk past an apartment complex in Jakarta October 21, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Supri

An aerial view of the island of Out Skerries, September 22, 2011. Out Skerries is a tiny, treeless island off the east coast of Scotland where the population is just 65. There are only seven children on the island making the school the smallest in the UK. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Olivia Harris

Obstetrician Ana Lara carries baby Diego Alejandro born by caesarean in the private Aquamater clinic in Caracas September 10, 2011. Aquamater opened in 1999 and is the first centre specialising in waterbirths in Venezuela. It aims to advise couples, who pay a fee, on techniques for breastfeeding, pain relief and different ways of giving birth. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

Katy, who is 37 weeks pregnant, takes part in a prenatal course in the swimming pool of the private Aquamater clinic in Caracas October 1, 2011. Aquamater opened in 1999 and is the first centre specialising in waterbirths in Venezuela. It aims to advise couples, who pay a fee, on techniques for breastfeeding, pain relief and different ways of giving birth. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

A premature baby sleeps in an incubator in the natal intensive care unit in a public maternity hospital in Gatire on the outskirts of Caracas October 5, 2011. The hospital is part of the 'Barrio Adentro' programme, which is a collaboration between the governments of Venezuela and Cuba, where highly trained Cuban doctors help provide publicly-funded health care for poor and marginalized communities in Venezuela. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Jorge Silva

A baby gestures minutes after he was born inside the pediatric unit at hospital Escuela in Tegucigalpa October 21, 2011. According to Honduras' health authorities, about 220,000 babies are born in Honduras each year and the cost of having a baby delivered at the public hospital is $10. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido

Men clean up engine fuel from a refrigerator ship that ran aground near Algeciras, southern Spain, in this file picture taken January 30, 2007. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Anton Meres/Files

A worker removes dead fish from a lake in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province, in this file picture taken July 11, 2007. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/China Daily/Files

A swimmer in the sea waves to friends on a snow-covered beach at Alimos suburb near Athens, in this file picture taken February 18, 2008. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Yiorgos Karahalis/Files

A Hindu devotee wraps a piece of clothing around himself after a ritual dip in the polluted Yamuna river in New Delhi, in this file picture taken March 21, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui/Files

A boy swims in the murky waters of Manila Bay, in this file picture taken March 21, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo/Files

Oil is burned off the surface of the water near the source of the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, in this file picture taken June 19, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Lee Celano/Files

A view of deforestation on Indonesia's Sumatra island, in this file photo taken August 5, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Beawiharta /Files

Pigeons fly during a dust storm in Kuwait City, in this file picture taken April 30, 2008. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Stephanie McGehee/Files

A motorcyclist turns back due to intense heat while passing through haze near burnt peat land in Rokan Hilir, Indonesia's Riau province, in this file picture taken August 14, 2005. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Beawiharta/Files

A boy sits in a pile of algae as his friend runs at a beach in Qingdao, Shandong province, in this July 6, 2008 file photo. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Nir Elias/Files

A garbage collector carries a sack as he walks atop a massive pile of garbage at the Bloemendhal dump in central Colombo, in this file picture taken April 23, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/David Gray/Files

Motorists crowd at a junction during rush hour in Taipei, in this file picture taken October 29, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Nicky Loh/Files

A combination photo shows the city skyline from the Beijing Zhongfu building, in the afternoon on August 4, 2010 (top) and at night on December 23, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011 according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. REUTERS/Jason Lee

Steam billowing from the cooling towers of Vattenfall's Jaenschwalde brown coal power station is reflected in the water of a lake near Cottbus, eastern Germany, in this file picture taken December 2, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski/Files

A labourer drinks water as smoke rises from a chimney of a brick factory at Togga village on the outskirts of the northern Indian city of Chandigarh, in this file picture taken December 6, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Ajay Verma/Files

The Haibowan coal-fired power plant is seen on the outskirts of Wuhai in China's northern Inner Mongolia region, in this file picture taken December 6, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Jason Lee/Files

A male polar bear carries the head of a polar bear cub it killed and cannibalized in an area about 300 km (186 miles) north of the Canadian town of Churchill, in this file picture taken November 20, 2009. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Iain D. Williams/Files

A man works at the site of a rare earth metals mine at Nancheng county, Jiangxi province, in this file photo taken October 20, 2010. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Stringer/Files

The state of Arctic sea ice is seen in this image taken by NASA's Aqua satellite on September 10, 2008, in this file image released September 16, 2008. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization Studio/Handout/Files

Medical staff use a Geiger counter to screen a woman for possible radiation exposure at a public welfare centre in Hitachi City, Ibaraki, in this file picture taken March 16, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. The environment provides trillions of dollars in benefits to the global economy, the United Nations says, yet many of these benefits are under threat from pollution, deforestation, climate change and over-extraction as seven billion people consume more of the Earth's finite resources. Mankind's immense pressure on the planet is causing the fastest extinction of species in millions of years and is rapidly heating up the planet, threatening more extreme weather. REUTERS/Asahi Shimbun/Files

People gather at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro October 23, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

People gather at Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro October 23, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

Job-seekers visit booths of companies at a job fair in Beijing in this February 5, 2009 file photo. Beijing is among the world's most populous cities, though population rankings vary widely. It has swelled by about 10 million people in the past decade, a trend mirrored worldwide, particularly in developing nations.

Cities in Africa, Asia and South America are bursting at the seams from migrants seeking better jobs or as farmers flee droughts, floods and other environmental disasters. To match Feature POPULATION-CHINA/ REUTERS/Jason Lee/Files

Nine-month-old Hevin, whose mother works as a midwife, lies in a hammock at a maternity ward in Karachi October 24, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Insiya Syed

A woman sunbathes alone at Praia da Bica beach in Rio de Janeiro October 24, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

People play soccer (C) in Fallet slum in Rio de Janeiro October 24, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes

A baby stretches its hand from under a quilt at a local hospital in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province October 25, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. REUTERS/Stringer

A malnourished infant lies on the floor in a therapeutic feeding center run by the medical charity Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) in the town of Maradi in southern Niger in this file picture taken June 29, 2005. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. Picture taken June 29, 2005. REUTERS/Finbarr O'Reilly/Files (NIGER)

Dan Lizee, operation manager, picks up a handful of wheat off the conveyor belts that transfer wheat from trains to cargo ships at the Alliance Grain Terminal in Vancouver, British Columbia October 6, 2011. Wheat is the most important cereal in the world and along with rice and maize accounts for about 73% of world cereal production. Canada is the world's third largest exporter, producing annually an average of over 24 million tonnes. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., widening gaps between rich and poor mean more people than ever are vulnerable to food and water shortages. REUTERS/Ben Nelms

People gather to get water from a huge well in the village of Natwarghad in the western Indian state of Gujarat, in this file picture taken June 1, 2003. The world’s population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Amit Dave/Files

Mothers breastfeed their newborn babies in the natal intermediate care unit at the Santa Ana public maternity hospital in Caracas October 22, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations. Picture taken October 22, 2011. REUTERS/Carlos Garcia Rawlins

Gravestones are seen with high rise residential blocks in the background in Hong Kong October 28, 2011. The southern Chinese city of Hong Kong is described as a concrete forest, famous for the number of high-rise commercial and residential towers. The world's population will reach seven billion on October 31, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) staff gives a cake to the family of newborn baby girl named Danica Camacho, the Philippines' symbolic seven billionth baby who is part of the United Nations' seven billion global population projection, in Fabella Maternity hospital in Manila October 31, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. At right is Danica's father Florante. REUTERS/Erik De Castro

Vinita Yadav, a 23-year-old Indian, holds her newborn baby girl Nargis, who was born at 7.20am, inside a community health centre in Mall, on the outskirts of the northern Indian city of Lucknow, October 31, 2011. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/Pawan Kumar

NASA undated handout image shows an image of the earth taken from space. The world's population will reach seven billion on 31 October 2011, according to projections by the United Nations, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the planet. While more people are living longer and healthier lives, says the U.N., gaps between rich and poor are widening and more people than ever are vulnerable to food insecurity and water shortages. REUTERS/NASA/JHandout

Poverty and Population Growth

The World's Growing Population

The World's Ageing Population