And although birth rates are dropping in most developing countries, particularly those experiencing rapid economic growth, it will likely be decades before population stops increasing in most of the developing world.

FORBES: The Green Movement's People Problem

"I have every belief that we will ultimately be increasing the barn owl population of Somerset and helping a diversity of other wildlife along the way, " Mr Sperring added.

BBC: Barn owl at a farm

With an increasing elderly population in many countries, more people will be at risk of age-related visual impairment.

ENGADGET: Qualcomm develops eyes-free smartphone for the blind and visually impaired, calls it Ray

The DUP's Alex Easton highlighted the increasing ageing population and focused on statistics which suggest that one in ten people will be aged 75 or over by 2030.

BBC: Domiciliary care continued

The DUP's Alex Easton highlighted the increasing ageing population and focused on statistics which suggest that one in 10 people will be aged 75 or over by 2030.

BBC: Domiciliary care