Our world is changing. Global population is growing; cities are expanding at the expense of the countryside; natural resources, food, and services are in increasing demand. At the same time, some countries and regions are suffering from declining population, shrinking economies, and financial and fiscal problems. These changing circumstances have led to a growing awareness that we can no longer count on our economic welfare and way of living to continue as before. Institutions, businesses, and families feel insecure, anxious, unstable, and indecisive.
