Global Scans · Population · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, up 1 billion from 2016. Western economies are declining in numbers and emerging economies witnessing burgeoning growth.

• [New] As the world's population and wealth continue to grow, there is a risk that the demand for meat and the negative environmental and climate impacts associated with meat production will continue to increase. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Two-thirds of global population growth by 2050 will take place in cities and will be concentrated in seven countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia. The Joint Research Centre: EU Science Hub
• [New] With two-thirds of the world's population projected to live in cities by 2050, urban soils are under increasing pressure from sealing, pollution and unplanned expansion. FAO
• [New] Approximately 50% of Iran's population could soon face a shortage of drinking water. Caliber.az
• [New] The working-age population will decline by around 5 million people by 2040. / Italy economic-research.bnpparibas.com
• [New] As the American population continues to age, incidence rates are expected to rise steadily. Longevity
• [New] Ageing Population and Chronic Care: The U.S. population over 65 is projected to grow by 15% by 2030, driving demand for telemedicine, remote monitoring, and AI-driven diagnostics. Ainvest
• [New] By 2045, the predicted prevalence of diabetes in urban areas is estimated to increase to 13.9%, due to population ageing. NCBI Bookshelf
• [New] 94% of the increase in the number of people with diabetes by 2045 will occur in low and middle-income countries, where population growth is expected to be greater. NCBI Bookshelf
• [New] By 2050, the older population will reach 88.5 million, representing 20% of the US census. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] As the global population continues to flourish, the need for more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices will increase the adoption of Agritech solutions. extrapolate.com
• [New] Africa, with the youngest and fastest growing population in the world, presents a critical opportunity for engagement. Basic Education Coalition
• [New] The number of patients with Alzheimer's disease is projected to double every twenty years as the global population ages, growing to over 130 million individuals by 2050. UsAgainstAlzheimer's
• [New] The global population aged 60 years and older is projected to rise from one billion in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2030, and further to 2.1 billion by 2050, with the number of individuals aged 80 years and older expected to reach 426 million by 2050 (WHO, 2024). PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] With America's senior population expected to top 70 million by 2030, balancing safety and autonomy is no longer optional-it's essential. Balfour Indiana
• [New] Factors like population ageing and urbanization could exert a modest influence on the evolution of future world demand. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] With a population of 30.2 million in 2025, Delhi reflects India's broader shift toward urban living and expanding economic opportunity. Aviation a2z
• [New] Between 2050 and 2070, Yemen's population is projected to surpass that of Britain or France. Modern Diplomacy
• [New] Immigration will be the main driver of population growth in 52 countries by 2054, including Australia, Canada and the US. The Actuary
• [New] Homeowners should check cypress and other evergreens for bagworms, removing and destroying any bagworm capsules found to reduce 2026's pest population. Goldsboro Daily News
• [New] Queensland is facing an unprecedented skills shortage as its construction pipeline surges to an estimated $77 billion by 2026-27, fuelled by Olympic infrastructure, population growth, and major housing projects. Office of Immigration Australia
• [New] Digital wallets are on track to become the dominant mode of payment worldwide, with the number of users expected to exceed 6 billion by 2030, representing more than three-quarters of the global population. IBS Intelligence

Last updated: 11 December 2025