STRUCTURAL FORCES Setting the Parameters emographic, environmental, economic, and technological devel- opments will shape the contours of the world we will live in during Dcoming decades. These structural forces—both individually and col- lectively—will offer new bene昀椀ts and opportunities for individuals, communities, and governments in every region to improve how we live, work, and prosper. In addition, the acceleration and intersection of these trends are fostering new or more intense challenges, straining the capacity of societies and governments to manage and adapt. After several decades of extraordinary gains in human development, many countries are likely to struggle to build on and even sustain these successes be- cause moving beyond the basics in education and healthcare is harder, especial- ly with larger populations and tighter resources. In addition, the physical effects of more extreme weather events, hotter temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and rising sea levels will touch all countries but disproportionately will hurt the developing world and poorer regions. The pace and reach of technolog- 14 Image / Bigstock