8. Conclusion

An OECD Report states that by the mid-twenty-first century the world population will reach 10 billion and will continue to grow. Africa will be the biggest contributor more than half of this growth, which will generate significant young demographic surges that would, in the author’s views, resemble the global tribe. Ageing of populations will continue and, by 2050, 10% of the population will be over the age of 80. This could result in the work force being depleted, resulting in a threat to existing living standards. To balance this trend, technologies that enhance physical and cognitive capacities could enable older people to work longer, and the exponential development of automation will greatly diminish the demand for human labor. 90% of the growth will occur in Asia and Africa. Urban living could be greatly advanced in terms of better access to electricity, water and sanitation. There will be smart cities in developed regions which connect utility and transport networks and systems efficiently enabling these cities to manage resources more sustainably.