Hello all,
Just thinking about the future in general, both for myself and mankind, here are some ideas I came up of what may happen to humankind by 2100.....I am NOT saying whether or not I agree with any decisions, purely an objective projection based on current and past current affairs.
Please feel free to discuss
Major developments -
By 2010 - Public movement behind global warming snowballs, most western countries have clear cut targets to reduce fossil fuel usage by half by 2040.
2010 - US/Coalition troops withdraw completely from iraq and afghanistan after a stalemate. Declining military spending results in more funding for homeland security/counterterrorism in western countries.
2010-2015 - smoking completely banned in many western countries, many countries introduce a nominal carbon tax on relevant goods, China now 3rd biggest economy in world. Unification of Israel and Palestine after large middle east war. CDs almost completely phased out, motion pictures shot and screened digitally, junk food carries health warnings.
2015-2020 - sustained high gas prices, global warming and energy security concerns, and much research into alternatives means that a prolonged phase-out of petroleum-based transport fuels has begun, but is slow. Television now broadcast mainly via the internet, for first time online shopping revenue surpasses conventional shopping. after a mass shooting at a highschool on an unprecedented level, gun ownership in US becomes much more regulated. Euro now world's most trded currency, and is now used to price commodities. China now democracy.
2020-2030 - Renewables now account for a quarter of total energy usage. Global warming slowing down markedly. Cars can now self-drive on expressways. Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Chysler go into receivership after a 2010s resurgance; big 3 now toyota, cherry (from China) and Hyundai. Man goes back to moon. Oil production peaks, but effects voided by use of alternatives. First openly gay US president. After corruption scandal, UK goes to referendum to decide if it should be a republic, but proposition is denied. Intrest in health means much less junk food is consumed. Cures or vaccines for breast, prostate and stomach cancer found. All new cars sold by law must use only alternative fuels. servant robots appearing.
2030-2040 - Such is the power of the EU that some European countries are unifying; Chinese economy now as big as american economy; due to road safety enhancements, motor vehicle occupant fatalities are rare. Landline phone system decomissioned. Man goes to mars. Developments in algal-based fuels mean crude oil is now redundant; gas is still avalable to classic car enthusiasts at $1 a gallon. due to medical enhancements, life expectancy is now 100. Enhanced micorwave technology means the kitchen oven is obselete. After the extinction of reality TV, TV becomes much more cultural and witty. Cars banned from downtown areas of most cities.
2040-2050 - Europe now unified as one country, with worlds biggest economy. Britain now a republic. Energy systems now decentralised; many new homes built with equipment to make own fuel and electricity. Surging world population means 80% of all water used is recycled. In west, 50% population now officially athiest. Future of Film and TV threatened as 'imagination vision' hits mass market. Increased wealth in developing countries mean terrorism is on a sharp decline. Paper-based currencies go electronic - the yen is first. Cars now feature colour-changing panels, 30,000 mile service intervals, and feature bodies made of bio plastics (steel now way to expensive to use for cars).
2050-2070 - population stabilises at 9 billion. UK now republic, british commonwealth disbands. Oil now no longer produced. For the first time in decades, global temperatures start cooling down. All persons now live in a democracy. All telecommunication now via hologram.
2070-2100 - global currencies amalgamate, as do many nations.