World on the move : consumption patterns in a more equal global economy / Tomáš Hellebrandt and Paolo Mauro ; assisted by Ján Žilinský.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 147-155) and index.

The changing landscape of global consumption -- Projecting growth in populations and incomes -- Measuring income distribution within countries -- Global income distribution from the turn of the century to 2035 -- How will changes in population and income distribution affect global consumption? -- Projected demand for transportation infrastructure through 2035 -- How will countries build the infrastructure they need? -- Challenges from rising consumption in the next 20 years.

The world is poised on the threshold of economic changes that will reduce the income gap between the rich and poor on a global scale while reshaping patterns of consumption. Rapid economic growth in emerging-market economies is projected to enable consumers worldwide to spend proportionately less on food and more on transportation, goods, and services, which will in turn strain the global infrastructure and accelerate climate change. The largest gains will be made in poorer parts of the world, chiefly sub-Saharan Africa and India, followed by China and the advanced economies. This study details how this important moment in world history will unfold and serve as a warning to policymakers to prepare for the profound effects on the world economy and the planet.