#trending: World population crosses 8 billion mark, netizens react by flooding internet with memes
The world’s population officially surpassed eight billion people on Tuesday (Nov 15), prompting a deluge of memes, videos and tweets from users across the world wide web.
Screenshot of a meme invoking Marvel supervillain Thanos to wipe out half of the universe as the global population surpasses 8 billion.
- Global population crossed eight billion people on Nov 15, the United Nations said
- Internet users had a field day reacting to the milestone via memes, videos and tweets
- Some users poked fun at their single status, while others called upon Marvel Comics' supervillain Thanos to snap his fingers and some even blamed American comedian Nick Cannon for contributing to the growth
- A baby girl born in the Philippines was chosen as the “symbolic” eight billionth baby in the world
SINGAPORE — The world’s population officially surpassed eight billion people on Tuesday (Nov 15), prompting a deluge of memes, videos and tweets from users across the world wide web.
The United Nations (UN) said that the global population took 12 years to grow from seven to eight billion. However, it will take an estimated 15 years — or until 2037 — to reach the next billion, signalling an overall decrease in the population growth rate.
It also noted that the world’s population is growing at its slowest rate since 1950 due to a fall in fertility rate and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Internet users were quick to react to the milestone the best way they knew how — with humour.
Some were reminded (or reminded others) of how devastatingly single they are despite having an apparent abundance of options.
People also took a jibe at American comedian and actor Nick Cannon, claiming he was one of the biggest contributors to population growth.
The 42-year-old came under the spotlight in 2021 for fathering four children with three different women. He welcomed two more newborns this year.
Cannon has 11 children with six women, including pop singer Mariah Carey, and baby number 12 is reportedly on the way.
‘SYMBOLIC’ 8 BILLIONTH BABY BORN IN MANILA
A baby girl born on Nov 15 in Manila in the Philippines was chosen as the “symbolic” eight billionth baby in the world, Asian American news site NextShark reported.
Officials of the Philippine Commission on Population and Development bestowed the title to Vinice Mabansag, who came into the world at 1.29am local time there. The organisation shared photos of the newborn and her mother alongside a commemorative banner and cake on Facebook.
On the other side of the world in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a baby boy named Damian was also reportedly granted the title.
POPULATION EXPECTED TO GROW OVER NEXT 60 YEARS
The latest UN projections suggest that the world’s population will continue to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050, before peaking at around 10.4 billion people during the 2080s.
The population is predicted to plateau at that level until 2100.
The UN said that the growth indicates a gradual increase in human lifespan attributed to improvements in medicine, nutrition and personal hygiene.
India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous country in 2023.
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