The real death toll

[Lilith7]

Which might be a step in the direction the planet needs?

It is - brutal though that is, there are too many humans on the planet.

Education about overpopulation, better health systems in every country might eventually go some way towards changing that.

If the various religions opposed to changes,  especially around birth control, can be educated to the point where they can comprehend the damage being done by our species then it might become possible to change things.
If it isn't too late.