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Global population growth is now slowing rapidly. Is it better for environment?

For decades it seemed as if nothing could change the trajectory of population growth. But a huge change is looming.

Fertility rates have fallen steadily and have stayed low, while longer life expectancies mean numbers of very old people (over 80) will double in these regions within 25 years. By 2100, the world is expected to have just six countries where births outweigh deaths – Samoa, Somalia, Tonga, Niger, Chad, and Tajikistan. Not through enforced birth control policies but largely through the choices of educated, wealthier women opting for smaller families.

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