Fact Check: "Approximately 7.9 billion people live on Earth as of 2021."
What We Know
The claim that "approximately 7.9 billion people live on Earth as of 2021" is based on various population estimates. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world population was projected to be around 7.9 billion on January 1, 2023, with a growth of 73.7 million people from the previous year. This suggests that the population was indeed close to 7.9 billion in late 2021.
However, the United Nations reported that the global population exceeded 8 billion in November 2022, indicating that the population growth was rapid and that the figure of 7.9 billion was likely accurate only for a specific point in time in 2021.
Additionally, the World Population Clock indicates that the population reached 8 billion in November 2022, further supporting the notion that the population was on the verge of surpassing 8 billion by the end of 2021.
Analysis
The claim is partially true because it reflects a snapshot of the global population during a specific timeframe. The U.S. Census Bureau's projection of 7.9 billion people on January 1, 2023, aligns with estimates for late 2021, but it does not account for the rapid growth that occurred shortly thereafter, leading to an official count of over 8 billion by November 2022.
While the U.S. Census Bureau is a reliable source for demographic data, it is important to consider that estimates can vary based on the methodology used. The Wikipedia entry on world population provides a broader historical context and highlights the rapid growth trends, which adds depth to the understanding of population dynamics.
The Worldometer also corroborates the claim by showing that the population reached 8 billion shortly after the period in question, indicating that the growth rate was significant. However, the reliability of Worldometer can vary, as it compiles data from various sources, which may introduce discrepancies.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "approximately 7.9 billion people live on Earth as of 2021" is partially true. While it accurately reflects the population at a specific point in time, it does not account for the rapid growth that led to the population exceeding 8 billion by November 2022. Therefore, while the figure is close to reality for late 2021, it is essential to recognize the context of ongoing population growth.
