In 1987, the world population reached the five-billion mark, a milestone so significant that it spawned an international observance: Five Billion Day. Back then, the United Nations recognised the need to address the burgeoning issues tied to our global footprint. Thus, World Population Day was established in 1989. Today, it"s not just a day—it"s a call to action. Overpopulation stretches our planet"s resources thin, urging us to confront urgent matters like family planning, an increase in waste and pollution or a lack of infrastructure. While metropolitan areas struggle with overcrowding, smaller places face the problem of decreasing population, leading to an imbalance. One such example is the Italian town of Gangi, Sicily, seen in today"s image. This village had about 16,000 residents in the 1950s, but today, it is home to a little more than 6,000. Keen on revitalisation, Gangi attracts attention by gifting abandoned houses to those committed to their restoration.
World Population Day
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
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Kalalau Beach on the Nā Pali Coast, Hawaii, United States
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Rocks rock!
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A splash of colour
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A fox in the dunes
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Fishing boat on beach in Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu
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Red deer, Canada
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This lesson is going swimmingly
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Tank Lakes, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Washington, United States
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Huangshan Mountains, China
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Dragon waterfall, Venezuela
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A day for giving
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Stop and smell the sakura
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Bryce Canyon hoodoos in winter
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Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
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Giddy family fun
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Raksha Bandhan
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Stretching to the sky
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Magnified moss
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Turkey tail mushroom
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Fisgard Lighthouse, British Columbia, Canada
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World Space Week begins
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International Day for Biosphere Reserves
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Jellies in a world all their own
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King of the ocean
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Gateway to Iberia
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Neolithic site of Silbury Hill, Tilshead, Wiltshire, England
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Amphitheatre of El Jem, Tunisia
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Sandhill cranes, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico
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Rapa Valley in Sarek National Park, Sweden
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

