Per the article, "...This calls for a celebration as a major success in public health, improvements in sanitation and disease control, better access to clean drinking water and the development of antibiotics and vaccines..." 

It's noted, however, that the increasing population also adds increasing strain on the environment with the rise in emissions -- especially in developed (and developing) countries. 

As we march toward the next major milestone (9 billion people estimated by 2037; a 12.5% jump in the world's population in just 15 years) it's imperative that we take action to reduce both our individual contribution of emissions and our collective/industrial contribution. 

Sustainability must be an individual and collective goal in order to maintain health and wellness for all.