Counting Draculas

The world’s population is set to hit seven billion on Halloween.

According to the United Nations, the world’s population will hit seven billion on Oct. 31, 2011. A rather staggering figure, considering that in 1927 – less than 90 years ago – only two billion humans inhabited Earth. While we tend to celebrate childbirth in our economically prosperous nation, perhaps hitting this marker on Halloween is a menacing omen for the trick – rather than treat – it may turn out to be. Concerns over resource allocation, disease, rising living costs and environmental stress will accompany innocent newborns, as the next 100 years face some terrifying prospects. Shortages of food and fuel will be an obvious concern, but water is far more precious, and due to climate change, is becoming scarce in many regions. Animal extinction is another issue. As we gobble up more space for our expanding population, there is less land for nature to inhabit, and as the global climate shifts, scientists are already listing the species that will slide towards extinction. Pollution and disruptions in ecosystems will follow, causing waves in global ecosystems with potentially catastrophic effects. In 20 years, when our little ghosts, princesses and superheroes are all grown up and walking their children door-to-door on the hunt for sweet surprises, will they remember smiles or sighs the day the planet welcomed its seventh billion human? Only time will tell.