More or Less Numbers of the year 2026
19 snips
Jan 3, 2026 
Simon Calder, a travel correspondent and aviation expert, predicts Dubai Airport will soar to 100 million passengers by 2026. Hannah Ritchie, a data scientist, discusses the UN's potential revision of global population peak to 2082, influenced by declining fertility rates, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Football writer Bill Edgar outlines the exciting expansion of the 2026 Men's World Cup to 48 teams, highlighting the extensive travel required for fans. Each guest brings a unique perspective on the numeric future ahead!
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Dubai On Course For 100 Million Passengers
- Dubai International Airport is on pace to handle around 100 million passengers in 2026, marking a global first.
- Simon Calder argues this shows aviation's centre of gravity shifting from West to Gulf and Asia.
Population Peak Prediction Keeps Moving Earlier
- The UN's projected date for global population peak has moved earlier across consecutive reports.
- Hannah Ritchie predicts the UN will revise the peak to the year 2082 in its 2026 update.
Fertility Trends Drive Population Uncertainty
- Fertility rates have tended to follow the UN's lower projection scenarios historically.
- How quickly fertility falls in sub‑Saharan Africa will strongly determine future global population growth.