The global population will reach 8 billion by Nov 15, and is likely to increase at a slower pace in the next few decades, according to the World Population Prospects 2022 released by the United Nations on Monday.

At present, some European countries have experienced negative population growth and China, too, is facing a low birth rate. Africa, especially sub-Saharan regions, and some South Asian countries, however, are seeing comparatively rapid population growth.

There are multiple reasons why the global population is still growing, albeit at a slower rate. A fertility rate above the replacement level inevitably brings population growth. Even if the fertility rate is below the replacement level, the population continues to grow for some time because of demographic inertia. Declining infant mortality also directly increases the total population.

A reduction in maternal mortality means more women survive reproductive age, correspondingly increasing population. In addition, a longer average life expectancy also contributes to an expanding scale of population.

Behind these phenomena are improved medical conditions and living standards, urbanization, and increased population flows. However, more countries will see negative population growth in the future. And the population problem impacts the long-term stability of individual countries and their sustainable development.

It is not easy to say whether a growing population brings with it challenges or opportunities. Population and its growth rate are not abstract numbers; behind them are economic, political, social, cultural, family and personal issues.

Global population development is facing a more complex landscape than half a century ago, with high fertility rates in some countries coexisted with low fertility rates in others and there were low urbanization rates in some countries and high urbanization rates in others. These varying features require global efforts to respond in an actively, timely, scientific, precise and comprehensive manner.

We should not only respect the traditional value of childbearing, but also tolerate the diversified choices of different people and optimize family-friendly and fertility support policies. China should create a better environment for marriage, family, and childbearing to raise the fertility rate to the replacement level, and promote the long-term balanced population development and sustainable development of resources and environment.

BEIJING NEWS