Globalization and the shifting centers of gravity of world's human dynamics: Implications for sustainability

World's human dynamics can be parameterized with metrics that explain the current model of economic growth and its sustainability. Changes in the world's human dynamics are crucial for understanding the current state of the world, which is faced with increasing challenges related to globalization. In this paper, we propose to analyze the shifting locations of centers of gravity of four basic global indicators (these are Gross Domestic Product, carbon dioxide emissions, population, and urban population) for the period 1960–2016. The spatial locations of the respective centers of gravity (one per year) draw some traces that explain, at least partially, relevant changes on different world's human dynamics at a global level. These traces and dynamics are further discussed. In addition, these traces are fundamental for predicting upcoming trends for the next few years. Results shown here may help political leaders and policymakers for solving upcoming and future global challenges related to the current economic system and its impact on the environment. [Display omitted] •Center of gravity is used to map the shifting distribution of some relevant world's human dynamics.•The centers of gravity for four indicators are estimated including Gross Domestic Product (GDP), carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, total population, and urban population.•Spatiotemporal evolution of these centers of gravity allow their traces be drawn over time.•Some common trends and similarities were found in the traces described by some indicators.•The mechanisms behind the traces and policy implications are discussed.