The Exponential Growth of the World's Population

n 1850, the world's population numbered just over three billion. A century later, in 1950, it had reached four billion. This growth was seen as a major achievement, celebrating the victory against disease, the reduction of premature deaths, and medical advances that made it possible to correct defects and improve both the length and quality of life. Yet, at that time, the negative repercussions went almost unnoticed: the suppression of natural selection was corrupting our genetic heritage. It was understood that rapid population growth would follow an exponential curve, potentially one day crossing a critical threshold, comparable to an atomic explosion.

In just 72 years, this number has doubled, reaching eight billion today. Humanity now faces the challenge of managing this growth to ensure access to essential resources—food, drinking water, hygiene, clean air, housing, clothing, medicine, and healthcare—for all living beings, whether plant, animal, or human, on our single planet. Calls to adopt a more responsible lifestyle, to recycle more, and to consume in moderation are numerous; however, they are only truly implemented by a minority, whereas this change should concern the majority. It is regrettable that we have tried to transform "primitive" peoples living in harmony with their natural environment: today, most have disappeared, having forgotten their ability to survive in self-sufficiency without depending on the polluting tools of modernity.

Some argue that the major difficulties—famines, epidemics, declining male fertility, pollution, increased mortality due to climate change, floods, and other natural disasters—will eventually balance themselves out. The Earth has already weathered many crises and managed to recover each time. Unfortunately, it is usually disasters that trigger individual or collective action to address them.

Faced with these challenges, it is crucial to analyze the dynamics of human expansion in order to understand their consequences and identify solutions. Whether it involves innovative urban planning, responsible resource management, or educational approaches, humanity's adaptation must go hand in hand with its transformations. In a context of rapid change, every decision, personal or collective, influences the future of our world and those who inhabit it.

Over the centuries, the world's population has grown exponentially. Here are some key facts illustrating this evolution:

• In 1800, the world's population was estimated at between 813 million and 1.125 billion.

• In 1900, it reached approximately 1.55 to 1.76 billion.

• In 2000, the figure rose to nearly 6.1 billion.

• In November 2022, the 8 billion mark was surpassed.

• According to United Nations projections, the world population could reach approximately 9.7 billion in 2050 and nearly 11 billion in 2100.

• Also in 2022, the continental distribution indicated that Asia accounted for approximately 55.6% of the population, sub-Saharan Africa 14.5%, while Europe and North America represented 14.1%.