Population fears as ‘seven billionth’ baby born

THE world welcomed its symbolic “seven billionth” baby yesterday, but celebrations were tempered by worries over the strain that humanity’s population explosion is putting on a fragile planet.

The United Nations said that by its best estimates the seven billionth baby would be born yesterday, and countries around the world marked the demographic milestone in a variety of ways.

Russian authorities showered gifts on newborns, while Papua New Guinea handed out special “goody bags” for new mothers.