7.000.000.000

In 2011 the world population will reach 7 billion.  To put this into perspective; around 8.000 BC at the dawn of agriculture, the Earth’s population was perhaps 5 million. At the beginning of our calendar (0 AD) this had increased to around 200 million. During the Industrial Revolution the world population began a more speedy growth reaching 1,6 billion at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 20th century alone, over 5.000.000.000 people were added to that total.

Additionally most people are heavier and taller than ever before, putting extra strain on the world’s resources. Every pound of our flesh needs food, water, clothes, transport etc. On average a 20% increase in size represents a 73% increase in resources needed. Perhaps it’s time to seriously start thinking about shrinking. If all 7 billion people were only 50 centimeters tall overpopulation wouldn’t even be an issue. According to our calculations they’d only need around 2% to 10% of what we’re consuming now.