Population study launched

A MAJOR study looking at the effects of rising global population is due to be launched today by the Royal Society, Britain's leading academic institution.

The research will focus on the impact of population on progress towards sustainable economic and social development over the next 30 years and beyond. A report on the findings is expected in early 2012.

Human Genome Project leader Professor John Sulston is chairing the Royal Society working group conducting the study.

Prof Sulston, who headed the British arm of the massive international effort to map out the human genetic code, said: "As the world's population approaches seven billion, the Royal Society has chosen to explore the complex issue of population.

"We will be examining the extent to which population is a significant factor in the momentous international challenge of securing global sustainable development."