4 mega-trends that could change the world by 2030

In 2012, the US government put on its futurist hat and published a report entitled "Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds."

It's full of both grim predictions and hopeful insights about the world that humans will inhabit within the next two decades.

One section outlines four mega-trends that are poised to create the greatest impact in the years to come in society, healthcare, government, and resources.

Here's what we can expect.