Today, I bring you up to date on what is happening around our world. First, did you know that our world population reached 8 billion on November 15? Historically and into the future:
| Population Milestone | Year Reached |
| 1 Billion | 1804 |
| 2 Billion | 1927 |
| 3 Billion | 1960 |
| 4 Billion | 1974 |
| 5 Billion | 1987 |
| 6 Billion | 1998 |
| 7 Billion | 2010 |
| 8 Billion | 2022 |
| 9 Billion | 2037 |
| 10 Billion | 2058 |
- Notice that it took 12 years from 2010 to reach 8 billion.
- However, growth is slowing, and the expectation is 15 years to get to 9 billion and another 19 years to attain 10 billion. Certainly too many people for the available resources and the threat of global warming.
- Worrisomely, 96% of the global population growth since 2010 has occurred in less developed countries.
- Our exponential growth could, though, before 2100 begin declining;
This region is in high anxiety for the first match between Qatar and Ecuador tonight. There are two large screens we can see from our hotel room with ultra loud speakers that kept us awake last night. Spectators pay from $100/seat, plus a lot more for the more luxurious areas, then for any drinks or consumables.
That boycott of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and its Arab allies ended last year, and all eyes are now focused on Doha. Even Israel will have its first direct flight to Qatar. But there continues mounting criticism over foreign worker's and LGBT rights. Plus there is that matter of blatant bribery to gain approval. Oh, all alcohol was just banned, and it was underscored that there could not be any public display of affection by fans.
- The first first cup was only held in 1930 with 13 teams.
- 32 teams will be competing in 64 games in 8 stadiums, all air-conditioned.
- First ever winter World Cup.
- This will hopefully be a carbon neutral World Cup.
- Qatar spent $300 billion in preparation.
- Just about all 3 million tickets have been sold.
- Youngest player will be Boussoufa Moukoki of Qatar.
- Most promising prospect is Jamal Musiala of Germany.
- Oldest? Dani Alves (39), Thiago Silva (38), Cristiano Ronald (37), Guillermo Ochoa (37), Luka Madrid (37) and Lionel Messi (35).
- Messi (right) hopes to pass Diego Maradona's 21 World Cup games. When I was paid to advise Qatar on energy 12 years ago, Messi was playing for Barcelona, which was sponsored by the Qatar Foundation. This is the shirt they gave me, which I happen to have brought with me on this trip.
- There will be female referees.
- The next World Cup in 2026 will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA...with 48 teams competing.
Jungkook of BTS will tonight perform the official tournament song called Dreamers alongside Qatari singer Fahd Al-Kubaisi, as one of seven acts in a half-hour program beginning at 5:4PM Doha time in the Al Bayt Stadium, and you can catch the Doha Metro to this site, which is 22 miles away. 5:45PM Doha time is 9:45AM in New York and 4:45AM in Honolulu. Their song festival continues for several weeks.
The U.S. will lose to England on Friday, November 25 at 10PM. The finals will be held on Sunday, December 18, which is Qatar National Day, at 6PM. After its all over, this venue will become a 5-star hotel.
I thought I'd also show the table I usually provide on Thursdays and Fridays.
From Worldometer (new COVID-19 deaths yesterday):
DAY USA WORLD Brazil India South Africa
- Really good news. The new deaths/day figure has dramatically dropped. The world leaders in new deaths/day (with new deaths/million population in the parentheses):
- #1 Japan 101 (0.8)
- #2 USA 66 (0.2)
- #3 S. Korea 65 (1)
- #4 Russia 62 (0.4)
- #5 Taiwan 59 (2)
- Taiwan was world #1 new deaths/day/million, Chile #2 and S. Korea #3.
- A look at new cases/day yesterday.
- #1 Japan 89,887
- #2 S. Korea 50,435
- #3 France 50,435
- #8 USA 6,194
- #14 China 2,137
- #15 Singapore 1,666
- #27 Qatar 147
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