The stories listed below, gathered from web-based news sources, provide developments related to this chapter that have occurred since publication. Some time in late 1999, the population of the earth reached 6 billion. The sixth billion was reached more rapidly than any previous billion milestone. The seventh billion will be added even more quickly.
Debate continues over whether such growth is a sign of progress or cause for concern.
Year 2001 Population Datasheet Online from the Population Reference Bureau presents a wealth of information in a handy format that was previously available only by ordering the printed datasheets. Focusing on cities might be the answer to saving the global environment, according to a report from the Worldwatch Institute.