Sounding Off on the World at 7 Billion

According to estimates from the United Nations, world population crossed the seven billion mark on October 31, 2011 – a scant 12 years after reaching six billion in 1999.  The landmark prompted a variety of reactions all around the world, from celebratory to cautionary.  Common among the remarks was a call for serious reflection and consideration on where we go from here. Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Executive Director of United Nations Population Fund, emphasized the need to educate young girls; Jeffrey Sachs of Columbia University discussed the importance of reducing worldwide fertility rates in order to achieve sustainable development; and Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called for the world to “unite, seven billion strong, in the name of the global common good.”

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