Global Scans · Population · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The global population is expected to reach 8.5 billion in 2030, up 1 billion from 2016. Western economies are declining in numbers and emerging economies witnessing burgeoning growth.

• [New] By 2070, the Canadian population aged 65 and older, which was estimated at 7 million in 2022, is expected to double to between 14 and 16 million. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Population growth increases food demand, and rising global living standards, particularly the adoption of protein-rich diets, are projected to drive a 2% compound annual growth rate in global protein consumption through 2050. SpringerLink
• [New] Younger Australians face the brunt of climate change and an ageing population, and are far more likely to be affected by threats such as the potential for AI-driven job losses. Grattan Institute
• [New] As generational change accelerates, the portion of the UK population preferring fintech services will only increase, supporting the continued growth projected by Mordor Intelligence. TechBullion
• [New] The future of global digital banking will be shaped primarily by the preferences of Asia Pacific's young, urban, fintech-native population. TechBullion
• [New] Climate change in Antarctica is leading to changes in sea ice that are projected to cause the emperor penguin population to halve by the 2080s, while reduced food availability has already driven a 50% reduction in the Antarctic fur seal population since 2000. vancouversun
• [New] Canada's total population is expected to shrink in 2026 for the first year on record, which will drag on how quickly real GDP expands. The Guardian
• [New] Nearly half of the world's population lives in areas where the risk of dengue transmission is high. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Internationally, and within New Zealand, specialist mental health and addiction service-users experience increased risks of comorbidities and premature mortality, and poorer health outcomes, compared to the general population. SpringerLink
• [New] Key Drivers: Factors Contributing to the Cardiologist Shortage An Ageing Population & Workforce: Growing Care Needs & Retirements By 2030, projections estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will be aged 65 or older, a demographic shift with significant implications for cardiovascular care. Medicus Healthcare Solutions
• [New] By 2040, L.A.'s older adult population is projected to increase by 61% from about 1.4 million to 2.3 million. Los Angeles Times
• [New] The United States is finally beginning to confront one of its most predictable - and most neglected-challenges: how to care for an aging population that will increasingly need help with daily life. Dignity Alliance
• [New] The U.S. faces a rapidly aging population, with 43 states projected to have more than 20% of their residents over age 65 by 2050. Dignity Alliance
• [New] Africa's urban population will double by 2050, adding pressure to already strained infrastructure and increasing exposure to climate hazards. Big3Africa.org
• [New] By 2030, nearly 20% of the population in the U.S. will be age 65 or older. PBMares
• [New] The high-single-digit placebo-adjusted weight loss reported for Foundayo could be especially appealing to the roughly 32% of the U.S. adult population that is classified as overweight but does not have obesity. Fierce Pharma
• [New] Africa's rapidly growing young population makes investments in education, skills development, and employment opportunities essential for harnessing demographic potential. Stratheia
• [New] Population growth and rising economic activity in developing parts of the world are increasing vehicle ownership, aviation demand, and freight volumes; future energy needs for the transportation sector will depend on how quickly new technologies scale and how quickly vehicle fleets turn over. Resources for the Future
• [New] The approaching urbanization dilemma - as estimates have suggested that 66-70% of the world's population will reside in cities by 2050 - has accelerated academic discussion of sustainable urban development. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2024), the global population of older adults aged 65 and above is expected to increase from 6.8% in 2000 to 14.3% by 2040, marking the transition into a more aged society. PubMed Central (PMC)
• [New] 16.4% of the world population is projected to be 65 years or older by 2050, nearly doubling the current share, which is likely to push demand for health services even further. Cambridge Core
• [New] In all, 22-39% of the global population is projected to be out of the human climate niche by 2080-2100, if current climate policies persist. Cambridge Core

Last updated: 16 April 2026