World Population Day 2025: Climate and Population Risks

World Population Day 2025 draws attention to the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, with the UN reporting an 85% rise in annual heat-related deaths among older adults since the 1990s. The global population is projected to peak at 10.3 billion in 2084, further straining resources and intensifying climate risks. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased by over 30% since 1970, with the U.S. and Arctic regions warming at some of the fastest rates. Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, are becoming more frequent and severe worldwide. Young people are voicing greater urgency for action, but political inaction and societal biases among adults continue to delay meaningful intervention. Without drastic reductions in fossil fuel emissions, global temperatures could rise by 3°C by 2100, underscoring the critical need for effective climate policies.