A Century of Plenty

This book from the McKinsey Global Institute examines what powered the 'progress machine' of the last 100 years, during which humans achieved unprecedented advances including longer lifespans and dramatically reduced poverty.

It then investigates whether a world of plenty is possible by 2100, where every person lives at or above Switzerland's current standard of living.

The authors stress-test this vision and conclude that while the global economy would need to be eight times larger, such a future is physically possible with sufficient energy, food, metals, and minerals, continued innovation, and environmental protection.