"The Looming Global Population Decline: Implications and Challenges Ahead"
A new report based on the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2021 projects a continued decline in global fertility rates, with the average number of children per woman expected to drop to 1.59 by 2100. This shift is attributed to factors such as increased opportunities for women in education and employment, better access to contraception, and changing values on gender equality and self-fulfillment. The study predicts that 97% of countries will have fertility rates below replacement level by 2100, leading to a demographically divided world with high-income countries facing aging populations and declining workforces, while low-income regions maintain high birth rates. The analysis suggests that proactive planning and adaptation to the new reality are crucial for addressing the economic, societal, and environmental challenges posed by this demographic shift.