Subscribe now

Earth

Genome Nobelist: The hard numbers of population growth

By Catherine de Lange

21 July 2010

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Let’s talk population

(Image: Brian Harris/Rex Features)

John Sulston is leading a study into the future and sustainability of global human population

The Royal Society has launched a study into population and sustainability, which you are heading. Why now?

The topic of population is moving up the agenda again. It was very much discussed 40 years ago. Then, with the green revolution, people felt things would be fine because the world population was increasing and everyone wasn’t starving to death as predicted. But now we are facing a whole series of resource limitations. We are also facing the results…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop