The 2006 revision of the United Nations population estimates and projection recently made public shows that the world population, now 6.67 billion, will reach 9.19 billion in 2050. This increase of 2.52 billion people is equivalent to the world's total population in 1950. During the same period, the population in less developed regions is projected to grow from 5.45 billion to 7.95 billion.
Although population decreases are forecast for some countries -- mostly developed ones -- the increase in the world population will exert enormous pressure on the environment and natural resources, including energy supplies. Japan should offer its wealth of experience at using resources as efficiently as possible to help alleviate such pressures.
Making family-planning information accessible and improving reproductive health in developing countries will also become important not only to help slow the population increase but also to increase opportunities for education and career development for women in those countries.