Rural regions account for 43 percent of the world’s population – estimated to be just over 8 billion, at the last count – and if the calculations in this new study are correct then the number of unaccounted-for people could potentially stretch into the billions.(…)

“We were surprised to find that the actual population living in rural areas is much higher than the global population data indicates – depending on the dataset, rural populations have been underestimated by between 53 percent to 84 percent over the period studied.”(…)

ad: “Not everyone is convinced. Scientists who weren’t involved in the study told Chris Stokel-Walker at New Scientist that improvements in satellite imagery and the quality of data collecting in some countries would make these discrepancies smaller.”(…)

  • GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.ca
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    3 days ago

    Yeah, I don’t see us all moving into cities, although many people already have. I also don’t think we need to have one giant city - those numbers were given to show how little actual living space people need, keeping in mind that Paris doesn’t seem to be viewed as somewhere undesirable to live, and still has room for beauty and not just urban utilitarianism.

    On the flip side, many people who move to the city do so for work. I hope we see less of that, where things can be more decentralized so people who like a less urban environment can still effectively contribute to society and the economy without having to stifle their personal living preferences. I’d also like to see less cost-efficient but more space-efficient growing conditions for agriculture so more land can be returned to a natural state while still supporting the populations we have. Both vertical farming and vertical living can contribute to that. And I absolutely realize that livestock tend to be both less cost- and space-efficient, especially if it’s humane.

    • Chris@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Yeah, the only way I see reducing livestock is if the cost gets unacceptable for the working class. Nobody wants to hear “you need to eat plants”. Would require a culture shift in the US at least

        • Chris@lemmy.world
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          2 days ago

          I’m super interested in insects too. Im growing spirulina right now to experiment if it can be a protein source

            • Chris@lemmy.world
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              2 days ago

              Powdered spirulina is pretty foul. I’ve heard that when fresh it’s more palatable.

              You can process crickets to make them mostly flavorless as an additive but I hear you.

              Like I said it would take a culture shift.