CIOB△INITIATIVE FOR CRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASSNA Burden of COPD The burden of COPD is projected to increase in the coming decades due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and the changing age structure of the world's population. Burden of COPD • The burden of COPD is projected to increase in the coming decades due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and the changing age structure of the world’s population