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The worlds population seven billion: UN sets out challenges

A major United Nations report has set out the challenges facing humanity a few days before the world's population is expected to reach seven billion.

It identifies many reasons to celebrate, including increased life expectancy and falling fertility rates.

But it also acknowledges the risks of rapid population growth.

The UN estimates that the world's seven billionth person will be born on 31 October and says by the end of this century, the world's total population could number more than 10 billion