Latest research on Beijing's population forecasts it will reach
20 million in 2020.
Although researchers may differ on the exact figure of the
capital's future population, the report released by the Population
Institute of Peking University over the weekend, echoes the results
of previous studies by endorsing the fact that the capital will
become more crowded in 10 or 20 years.
The influx of migrant people will continue to be the driving
force. In recent years, more than 430,000 migrants arrive at the
capital's doorstep annually.
Meanwhile, a separate figure released by a municipal department
on the aging population has painted an even more worrisome picture:
The number of senior citizens will reach its peak of 6.5 million in
2050. At that time one of every three citizens will be older than
60.
These figures require serious consideration by the city's
administrators.
From a macro perspective, the authorities will have to rack
their brains even further on how to achieve rapid social and
economic development with limited resources, less energy
consumption and little damage to our environment.
It is also their responsibility to make the capital a pleasant
place to live in for all residents including migrants and the
elderly.
Efforts in this regard will be challenging. The rising
population will make many of its already conspicuous problems even
worse such as environment pollution and traffic congestion.
It is heartening to see that the capital's administrators are
moving toward providing faster and more convenient public
transport, improving air quality and making the city greener.
In the meantime, the accelerated aging problem also calls for
early and better preparatory work so as to ensure every citizen has
a comfortable life after retirement.
Last but not the least, as one out of every five families in
Beijing is a migrant family, the city needs to improve its
management of this sector of the population. They need more equal
opportunities in employment, education and housing.
The city, to its credit, is recognized as being one of the most
benevolent in the country toward migrant workers.
(China Daily October 23, 2007)