New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- The world moves on different wavelengths. Some are high-frequency shocks-wars, emerging technologies, market panics-that spike quickly and dominate our attention. Others are low-frequency forces that move slowly but relentlessly: demographics, globalization, water and food scarcity.

The former feel urgent, but the latter reshape the system. That is not to say crises don't matter. But we cannot become casualties of the slow burn simply because the immediate crisis burns hotter or dominates more headlines. Ignore the slow burn long enough, and it becomes an inferno.

One of those forces is already in motion. Over the next 10 to 15 years, 1.2 billion people in developing countries will come of working age. On current t...