Without a doubt, looking in the mirror at present shows us that years have passed and that those years have given us a certain maturity to recognize what is possible, of all that is not within our possibilities.
But since dreaming and imagining some alternatives cannot be denied to anyone, let’s see what would happen if, for some good reason, we had the opportunity to imagine ourselves again as teenagers living in the future.
Let’s set the context:
In a note dated October 15, 2012, it was said:
Specialists expect the world’s population to reach 10 billion by 2050. Today we are 7 billion. Well, let’s remember, it’s a note from 2012, in reality by 2024 we are already 8.2 billion, so expectations may or may not be exceeded, wars reduce entire populations. Some people say that it is because of wars and natural disasters that the world’s population is balanced.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently published a report describing the ageing of the world’s population.
«Today we have one in nine people aged 60 or older,» says Ann Pawliczko of UNFPA, «but by 2050 it will be one in five, and by then there will be more older people than people under 15.»
Perfect, there I am now, 16 or 17 years old, dreaming of a promising future interested in social science and humanities. I have stayed at home because, despite the protests, the doors of my school had to be closed due to a shooting where there were several injured, a teacher who teaches us ecological ethics and sustainable behaviour is in intensive care.
A new class of indigents has emerged. These are people over 60 years old who have not managed to get the generations that contribute money for their retirement to establish real parameters between current spending and credit. Of course, there are elite groups that have the most essential things and can pay medical expenses, but their taxes are protected since they reflect financial activities, putting them on the hackers’ plate.
Well, paying taxes is not like it is now. People do not trust the tax authorities or the banks either. The industry has become monopolistic and centralist. Capital and machinery cannot be moved to any country, since they could end up in a war zone.
A large majority of countries have found themselves in the need to contribute larger sums in the face of the high rate of refugees. People who had the appropriate infrastructure to live in now inhabit areas devastated by wars that do not cease and increasingly expand their territories of dominion.
This prevents global businesses from trusting each other, uncertainty grows in the face of the rising wave of terrorism, floating populations move in the dark and clandestinely, there is no need for a curfew in increasingly populous cities, and these groups are ready to attack to get the minimum available from someone who has it.
But let’s leave the imagination because in these matters I don’t know how good I am let’s go to a scenario by region and based on projections from the UN – Data from recent demographic studies – Trends observed in reports from the European Union – Projections from the ECLAC – Studies from the Pew Research Center –
Sub-Saharan Africa
Rapid Growth: This region is expected to experience the greatest population growth, with the population applying by 2050. This growth is due to a combination of high birth rates and improved health care, which has significantly reduced infant mortality.
Challenges: This rapid growth could exacerbate problems such as poverty, unemployment and lack of access to basic services such as education and health. As the population grows, tensions over resources such as water and arable land intensify, which can lead to social conflict and forced displacement.
Opportunities: A young and growing population could boost economic development if investment is made in education and employment. Promoting job training and creating opportunities in emerging sectors such as technology and renewable energy can help capitalise on this potential.
Asia
Stabilization: In countries such as China and India, population growth is slowing due to birth control policies and changes in fertility rates. This phenomenon has also led to growing concerns about population ageing.
Ageing: Japan and South Korea will face significant challenges due to an aging population, which could affect productivity and increase the burden on health and pension systems. Policies to encourage births and attract foreign workers become essential to counteract these problems.
Europe
Population Decline: Many European countries could see a decline in their population due to low birth rates and high rates of ageing. This decline not only affects the economy by reducing the workforce but also poses a cultural and social challenge as communities age.
Migration: Immigration could play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of population decline and maintaining the workforce. However, it is essential to establish inclusive policies that promote the integration of immigrants into society, thus ensuring social cohesion.
Latin America and the Caribbean
Moderate Growth: Moderate population growth is expected, with a transition towards an older population. This poses challenges in terms of providing services to an older population and opportunities due to the experience they can bring.
Urbanisation: Urbanization will continue, which could increase pressure on urban infrastructure and public services. Governments must implement sustainable urban planning plans that address housing, transportation, and health needs.
North America
Stable Growth: The United States and Canada experienced stable population growth, driven in part by immigration. This brings diversity and dynamism to the economy, although an equitable approach is also required to address disparities in communities.
Diversity: Ethnic and cultural diversity will continue to increase, which could enrich society, but also present challenges in terms of integration and social cohesion. Celebrating cultural diversity and creating spaces for dialogue are essential to building more inclusive communities.
