HUMANKIND is continuing to grow and the Earth's population could hit 12 billion by 2100, according to a new prediction by experts.

The rising population, from the current 7.2bn, could worsen global problems such as disease and poverty, scientists warn.

Previous estimates have suggested that after peaking at around nine billion by the end of the century the global population would level off or even decline.

An expert at the University of Washington said there's a 70 per cent probability the world population will not stabilise this century.