Hope you like neighbors, because it looks like we’re getting a few billion more.

A team of researchers from the United Nations Population Division and several universities have published an eye popping study. It predicts that, rather than leveling off around 2050, world human population will continue to grow into the twenty-second century. 

The change in this estimate is mostly due to unexpected population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

In the researcher’s model, a slight uptick in birthrates leads to higher number of reproducing adults in the next generation, producing a cascading effect across generations. Small changes in conditions produce big ones in projections. 

By the end of the century, this planet will probably be shared by somewhere between 9.6 and 12.3 billion of our species, up from previous estimates of a measly ten billion.

Uh oh? 

Maybe. 

First, the study produced projections, not certainties. 

Second, while overpopulation is a problem, overconsumption is a worse one. 

Third, science has not reached a consensus on the consequences of population growth either socially or environmentally. 

Just ask UMBC professor Earle Ellis, who made waves with his essay entitled Overpopulation is Not the Problem and inspired environmental activist Alon Tal to strike back with Overpopulation is Still the Problem.

Whatever the problem is, we have a choice: avoid it, prepare for it, or both? 

Make up your mind. The clock is ticking.