The number of humans on Earth reached 8 billion in November 2022. Now a new report suggests that the world's population may peak at just 9 billion by 2050, a number far lower than previously thought. Compared to other more well-known estimates, such as those from the United Nations, the latest prediction is either a breath of fresh air, or an omen of disaster. The pros and cons of Earth's growing human population are hotly debated, with proponents citing positive effects on the economy and technology and critics emphasizing the risks to the environment and social harmony. While it could…