Credit: ESA (click for larger image)
Between the launch of Sputnik on 4 October 1957 and 1 January 2008, approximately 4600 launches have placed some 6000 satellites into orbit, of which about 400 are travelling beyond geostationary orbit or on interplanetary trajectories.
The junk can harm the running satellites and the junk-problem has to be solved. A mitigation plan has been developed (continuously, I assume :-)). Here is an estimate of what it will look like both with and without mitigation. Doesn't look too good either way, if you ask me!
Credit: ESA (click for larger image)
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