How many people did the Earth have in 1800 and how many does it have now?
As frank W says, it was about 978 million in 1800, and it is about 6800 million from the 2006 figures. Throughout the 20th century, the population was doubling about every 50 years despite two world wars. If this rate continues, it will be 12000 million by 2050. The idea that all these people can be supported, and at the same time we reduce our effect on the environment just doesn’t add up. In the study of population dynamics, there are three recognised factors which control population size. starvation disease predation For humans, war and crime is the equivalent of predation. If we don’t find an equitable political solution to population control, the above factors will do it for us.
