By 2100, the global population could surpass 11 billion, according to predictions by the UN. Currently China, India and the USA have the three largest populations in the world, but by 2100, this will have changed to India, Nigeria and China, respectively. These countries will have the largest populations by 2100 | World ...

Understanding the Context

5 global infrastructure scenarios by 2100 1. Circular and climate-robust ‘technosphere’ The "technosphere" refers to the total mass of human-made structures, systems and materials – everything from buildings and roads to machines and waste. More than 30% of the EU population is expected to be 65 or older by 2100. This demographic shift could have a significant impact on the region's economic prospects.

Key Insights

A number of other African nations, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda, will experience rapid growth between now and 2100. DR Congo’s population is expected to jump from 84 million to 379 million, which will make it the fifth-largest country by population. By 2100, as much as 84% of the Earth’s 10.8bn people will live in cities, according to the UN. Potentially dozens more megacities—cities with populations of 10m or more, 28 of which exist today, will pepper the planet—with developing countries accounting for almost 89% of the growth. A new study has found that polar bears could be gone by 2100 unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.

Final Thoughts

Rising global temperatures, due to carbon emissions, have caused large amounts of Arctic sea ice to melt, leaving polar bears with smaller habitats to sustain themselves on. The study is the first to predict when and where Arctic warming will threaten the bears' survival. By the year 2100, it’s estimated that 13 of the world’s largest megacities will be located in Africa. Meanwhile, India will hold three of them – and there will be zero of them found in the Americas, China, or Europe.