LA Times: Beyond 7 Billion

KENNETH R. WEISS at THE LOS ANGELES TIMES explores the Population Boom in a five-part series:

After remaining stable for most of human history, the world’s population has exploded over the last two centuries. The boom is not over: The biggest generation in history is just entering its childbearing years. The coming wave will reshape the planet, and the impact will be greatest in the poorest, most unstable countries.

Part 1: The biggest generation

Even with birthrates falling, the huge number of people in their childbearing years means world population will continue to soar.

Part 2: Tinderbox of youth

Why most of the world’s civil conflicts occur in countries with young, fast-growing populations.

Part 3: Hunger without end

Four decades ago, the world seemed to be gaining ground on a scourge. Then the population nearly doubled.

Part 4: The China effect

Even with its curbs on population growth, the nation is having an enormous ecological impact on the planet.

Part 5: Dream out of reach

In the Philippine capital, contraception has become largely inaccessible to the poor.