7 Billion People
The Internet is buzzing with the announcement of the birth of the 7 billionth child. The United Nations Population Fund puts the world population at 7 billion people today. However, the US Census Bureau counts the current population at 6,971,933,858. According to their estimates, the world population will reach 7 billion in March 2012.Whichever statistic you believe, there is no arguing the fact that the world population is growing. The earth's population will reach 8 billion by 2025 according to United Nation estimates.The United Nations, through it's 7 Billion Actions campaign, is inviting people to share their stories. How can you make a difference?Playing for Change has partnered with the United Nations to present an original song to serve as an anthem in celebration of 7 billion people, believing that music is the best way to speak to the hearts of everyone. "United"[media url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdu71FSKJvI" width="600" height="400"]I came across some interesting statistical sites today, Worldometers displays real-time data about world population, government and economics, social and media, environment, food, water, energy and health.But I was curious about Internet usage. How many people have access around the world? According to Internet World Stats, there were over 2 billion Internet users as of March 31, 2011. That's an average of 30 percent of the world's population. In North America, 78.3 percent of the population were Internet users.
Recent news events have demonstrated the power of our global connection. The Arab Spring, a revolutionary movement against the establishment, used social media to organize many of the protests. Today, people are demonstrating their dissatisfaction with Wall Street greed through the Occupy Wall Street movement. This organization, meant to empower the 99 percent, grew through social media outlets. The Internet is a powerful tool for connecting people.Amazon is now available in 10 different countries. People living in remote areas with Internet access can shop and order from online retailers, giving them access to items that might not be available locally. Retailers have the advantage of reaching an expanded market.As our global population surpasses 7 billion, it's interesting to note the power of the Internet. Our access to social media outlets, news sources, and consumer sites keep us all connected.
