By 2045, the world population will surpass 8 billion, and will eventually reach and level off at around 8.7 to 8.9 billion, staying at between 8.7 & 8.8 billion through the end of the century. I don’t see it ever going over 9 billion in this century. (Added 8/10/05)

Some governments around the world will set in place severe restrictions on reproduction.