7 Billion People on Planet Earth

Yes, soon our planet will have 7 billion people. A few months ago, the United Nations announced the the world’s population will reach that number on Oct. 31, 2011. Articles have been written on it and a number of people have talked about it, but it looks to be a bigger story closer to the birth of our 7 billionth person.

The expanding world population puts a lot into perspective. In 1804, there were 1 billion people on the planet. In 1927, we were at 2 billion. Just 12 years ago, in 1999, we hit 6 billion. As we grow beyond the 7 billion to a projected 9 billion in 2045, non-profits will become more important than ever.

No matter the cause – clean water, education, sustainability, hunger – we have to double our efforts in responding to needs and helping to build an infrastructure for self-sufficiency. This infographic gives us a visual understanding of the magnitude of the numbers.