The world's population reached 7 billion people today, according to the United Nations, which is commemorating the event with celebrations across the globe. In Manila, Philippines, the birth of Danica May Camacho just before midnight marked the “official” first of these symbolic babies, according to USA Today, though it’s near impossible to pinpoint. While the 5.5-pound baby was welcomed with a chocolate cake, experts warned about the costs of rapid population growth.
"Seven billion is a number we should think about deeply," said Dr. Eric Tayag of the Philippines' Department of Health, according to the paper. "We should really focus on the question of whether there will be food, clean water, shelter, education and a decent life for every child.”
Population explosions in countries like China (currently the most populous nation) and India cause a host of social and economic strains. "If we could slow our growth rate," demographer Joel Cohen of Rockefeller University told CBS News, "we have an easier job in dealing with all the other things like education, health, employment, housing, food, the environment."
