The United Nations predicts that on Oct. 12, 1999,
the 6 billionth human will be born. The U.S. Census Bureau says it
happened last month. Regardless, the number is already having a big
impact. To find out more, the U.N. recommends two Web sites: the
National Audubon Society Population and Habitat Program
(www.earthnet.net/~popnet) and the National Wildlife Federation
Population Page (www.nwf.org/international/pop/). The National
Audubon Society provides links to information from legislative
pages to scholarly papers. The National Wildlife Federation’s Web
site offers facts and tells how to get involved in population
issues: “Every day, 100 plant and animal species go extinct as a
result of deforestation.” The U.N.” s Web site,
www.unfpa.org/modules/6billion/en/
index.htm,
includes a population clock counting down to the 6 billionth
person.
*Keri
Watson
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Day of 6 billion.
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