Most likely within the next 50 years; if population grows at today’s current rate and no major environmental technologies are developed, we could be looking at a very exploited Earth. Within the next 150 years, if modern conflicts are not resolved, we could be looking at a massacred Earth.
Thankfully, people will always act when a crisis appears (despite their inaction when the problems are veiled). The spoils system in politics of the U.S. was torn down when President Arthur came into power. Monopolies and massive corporate businesses were stopped before the 20th century could really even begin and now, there are only a couple of businesses that can be considered such. The United Nations was formed due to the failures of the League of Nations. All this, evidence that mankind will always push for a better world when the grevious mistakes are made and the regrets of many come to the forefront of their minds.
Environmentally, we are currently on track to be screwed over. Painfully. The rate of habitat degradation is increasing despite the spewing of information of this exploitation from numerous open sources. Countries that are becoming developed are industrializing and are seeking to enjoy the same luxuries that 1st world countries have and are therefore going to increase affluence. Developed countries are struggling to lower resource and energy consumption to sustainable levels. However, current organizations are slowly working to improve the Earth’s environment. Businesses are becoming more eco-friendly due to consumer demand. Eventually, one spark, one incredible wave of public disgust at what the world has become will force a massive reform in the policies of world governments and corporations. But then again… That’s just wishful thinking on my part.
Technologically, advancements are being made at record pace. But at what cost? I condone cloning and all stem-cell research as all these things are for the betterment of the whole human race. However, will there be a point when we lose all of our morality and individualism just for technology? The remote. One of the most incredible inventions in my mind is also the most enabling. We have become so lazy that we cannot simply stand and walk a few feet. Life and biology have now become property. Genes are being patented by companies and people that are refusing to use them are being forced to the wall until they settle. Treadmills… Ah yes, the treadmill that every man or woman in the U.S. seeking to lose weight has. GO OUTSIDE AND EXERCISE! You get fresh air and save a huge amount of money, especially in these hard times. Sigh… Technology is a double-edged sword. I feel that one day in the future, it will either lead to the fruiton of a new Golden Age or a massive deterioration of the whole human race as well as the mass extinction of all biodiversity on the plant. I wish for the former, but in all honesty… The latter is more practical.
What will happen with mankind, itself? Who knows… The mob is a fickle thing. The public is selfish, yet sympathetic. Everyone wishes to help, yet no one does the job. We are too chaotic to correctly predict. It is simpler to just look at trends and patterns in other topics.
Economically, there is nothing to worry about at all. Economic crisises are rampant in history. Around every 20 years, there is a big panic. Around every 100 years or give or take a decade, there is a major depression. But, we bounce back. Money is a creation of man. To have our lives dictated by money is to be a weak, simplistic moron. Consumers control the markets. Consumers will dictate where our economy is headed, whether they understand they have that power or not.
Religiously… Haha.
To sum of my view of what the future will be like, I think it will be one of three possible scenarios. A utopia where everyone is the same and the average is the standard; communism and socialism in their most pure and uncorrupted forms. A world like today, a world of everchanging status that progresses as much as it regresses. A world that no longer exists or has any living inhabitants left.
Personally, I hope for the the second one. It’s the most fun.
This post was submitted by Joseph.