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We are ill prepared for the coming demographic shifts
Totally agree. I think one of the more hopeful aspects of this, though, is that the development of poorer nations tends to be quicker and effectively skip past the more extractive industrial processes of older western nations.
The question then becomes more entwined with economic equality and political will. Who will be making decisions about resource usage as well as pushing for the technology and ecological practices required to reproduce society through more sustainable means?
slippers-
Who will be making decisions about resource usage
Well if we look post war, the oil rich countries realised they could nationalise natural resources and tell the imperialists to do one (worked out better in some cases than others I.e Iran). So I imagine you could see popular movements for resource rich countries to take control of thier resources again. Probably see more of things like this as well
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-09/congo-wants-to-pivot-away-from-china-s-dominance-over-its-mining
Obviously none of this promises a ecological or just transition if you land up with a bunch of corruption and oligarchs
greentricky
Yes the current forecast is 8 in 10 people will be from Asia or Africa by 2100, with Africa trippling it's population between now and then. Asia will be declining by 2100 but continued growth from now until 2080.
We are ill prepared for the coming demographic shifts and thier seems little appetite for discussion or planning for it. Europe has seen tiny changes so far compared to what's coming and already sees it's politics not fit for purpose and populations resistant and unprepared.