7 Billionth Baby Born: World Celebrates Milestone, Worries About Overpopulation

Congratulations, people, the World’s population has grown to 7 billion. So who was the 7 billionth baby? Countries around the world are celebrating new births as “7 billionth babies,” but the UN gave the symbolic honor to Danica May Camacho of the Philippines.

CBS reports that demographers are unsure of when exactly the world will reach 7 billion people, but the UN decided that they would use Monday, October 31st, as the day to mark the occasion. And since Camacho was born at midnight, she is the first of many “7 billionth babies” to be born today.

Camacho was greeted by reporters, photographers, UN officials, and of course, her family. Camacho’s mother, Camille Dalura, said:

“She looks so lovely… I can’t believe she is the world’s seventh billion.“

And although Camacho’s birth was a moment of celebration, The LA Times notes that Dr. Eric Tayag of the Philippines’ Department of Health, had a few warnings about the expanding population. Tayag said:

“Seven billion is a number we should think about deeply. We should really focus on the question of whether there will be food, clean water, shelter, education and a decent life for every child. If the answer is no, it would be better for people to look at easing this population explosion.”

UN chief Ban Ki-moon also acknowledged that feeding 7 billion people will be difficult. But Ki-moon believes that the problem has more to do with equality than resources. Ki-moon said:

“Plenty of food, but still a billion people going to bed hungry every night. Many people enjoy luxurious lifestyles, but still many people are impoverished… This is not a story about numbers. This is a story about people… Seven billion people who need enough food. Enough energy… Everything you want for yourself — seven billion times over.”

Do you think the world is getting over-crowded. Will the “7 billionth babies” enjoy happy lives?