Global Living Standards: Can the World Reach Swiss Levels by 2100?
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A bold vision—extending the high quality of life enjoyed in modern Switzerland to every nation by the end of the century—is increasingly seen as a plausible, though challenging, goal. Dramatic improvements in global well-being over the last 125 years demonstrate the power of progress, but sustaining that momentum requires careful planning and decisive action.
A Century of Unprecedented Advancement
In 1900, the vast majority of the world’s population lived without access to basic necessities like electricity, effective antibiotics, or even widespread education. Today, the landscape is dramatically different. Global life expectancy has increased by decades, literacy rates are near universal in many regions, and hundreds of millions have joined the global middle class. This remarkable transformation wasn’t accidental; it was the result of concerted efforts in science, industry, public health, and education, fueled by the dedication of ordinary people who believed in a brighter future.
The Audacious Goal: Universal Prosperity
The question now is whether humanity can build on this foundation to achieve an even more ambitious objective: a world where even the poorest countries enjoy living standards comparable to those found in modern Switzerland by 2100. While ambitious, evidence suggests this is not merely a utopian dream. “Historical data shows that when people have a fair chance and the right tools, they thrive,” one analyst noted.
Poverty Reduction: A Tangible Success Story
The progress already made is undeniable. According to the World Bank, the number of people living in extreme poverty plummeted from approximately 2.3 billion in 1990 to around 831 million in 2025. This decline is largely attributed to the robust economic growth experienced in East and South Asian economies. Simultaneously, global economic output has more than quadrupled, and per capita incomes have risen across numerous regions. Fathom Consulting forecasts suggest the global economy could double in size by the mid-2050s, further accelerating this trend.
Resource Constraints and the Path Forward
However, achieving universal prosperity isn’t without its hurdles. A key concern revolves around resources. Critics rightly point out that a significant expansion of the global economy could strain the planet’s energy and food supplies. Long-term analyses indicate that global energy demand could increase by around 124 percent above 2015 levels by 2100—a substantial rise.
Despite this projected increase, experts believe the challenge is surmountable. “This increase…can be met if we accelerate renewable deployment and efficiency gains,” a senior official stated. Investing in sustainable energy sources and optimizing resource utilization will be crucial to ensuring continued progress without jeopardizing the planet’s long-term health.
The journey toward a world of universal prosperity will require sustained commitment, innovation, and global cooperation. The successes of the past century demonstrate that progress is possible, but the choices we make today will determine whether we can achieve this audacious goal by 2100.
