If a space industrialization program had begun in 1982, Vajk's model predicts zero net population growth in the developing countries by 2040. The population curve turns over because of a reduced birth rate derived from an improved standard of living, not because of an elevated death rate, as in the first run. The main difference for the developed world is decreased pollution owing to the substitution of clean solar power for energy from fossil fuels. In this scenario, immigration to the space habitats starts by 2000, consisting mainly of people from the developed sector. Immigration from the developing sector almost catches up by 2100.
Quality of life starts off at very high levels compared to either terrestrial sector.
It falls to developed terrestrial levels in about 2020 due to crowding, and then climbs again. In Vajk's model, the economic benefits for earth are negligible if space industrialization is delayed until 2002. Even if the model's projections for natural resources are wrong insofar as materials are concerned, they are not necessarily wrong period. Perhaps you should decide before the next election, while we still have time. Used under License.