A new study published in PNAS estimates Earth may have between 14.2 and 20.3 million insect species, three times more than previously thought. Researchers conducted a large survey in Costa Rica and scaled up findings, highlighting the vast undiscovered biodiversity and the urgent need for conservation amid declining insect populations.
China's population is projected to shrink by 60 million in the next decade, with a declining birth rate and increasing abortions. This demographic implosion, driven by decades of state policy and societal shifts, poses significant economic and geopolitical challenges, potentially forcing a reconsideration of labor migration.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida described the nation's declining birthrate and population as a "silent national security crisis" during a parliamentary committee meeting on June 4th. The comments came after statistics revealed a record low in births and the total fertility rate for 2025.
A study by Dr. Sergey Sushchi predicts Ukraine's population will drop by over 7 million in the next 25 years, reaching 25.7 million by 2027. Even refugee returns won't alter the decline, with natural decrease rates expected to remain high.
Japan's total fertility rate fell to a record low of 1.14 in 2025, with the number of births reaching 671,236, 15 years ahead of projections. The natural population decrease widened to over 918,000, marking the 19th consecutive year of decline.
Japan faces a growing crisis with nearly nine million vacant homes, or 'akiya,' representing 13.8% of its housing stock. Factors include population decline, inheritance issues, urban migration, and a tax system that incentivizes keeping empty houses.
Rhodium Group projects China could lose nearly France's entire population over the next decade, with falling populations in wealthy coastal provinces set to impact consumption, labor productivity and social security systems. The research warns that demographic pressures will likely contribute to weakening credit and lower interest rates.
Hong Kong's ultra-high-net-worth individual population fell 3.3% to 6,788 in 2026 versus 2021, but is forecast to surge 25% to 8,485 by 2031. The city is gaining traction as a family office hub, benefiting from streamlined regulation, talent visa schemes, lower taxes and faster setup times. Globally, UHNWIs rose to 713,626 from 551,435, equivalent to 89 people daily crossing the $30 million threshold.
