Earth 2050: healthier, more affluent society becoming global village

By Dick Pelletier

      

    What can we expect over the next four decades? Though it's impossible to forecast this far in advance with 100% accuracy, by combining predicted technology advances with present-day knowledge, we can make plausible guesses about what to expect in the amazing years ahead.

    The following glance reveals likely events and achievements in this most remarkable future.

    2010s – More people become techno-savvy in a fully-wired world. Smart phones, the Internet, global trade, and automatic language translators are giving birth to an interdependent humanity focused on improving healthcare and raising living standards. Breakthroughs in stem cell development emerge on an almost daily basis.

    2020s – Medical success, molecular nanotech and strong artificial intelligence empower humanity. Regenerative medicine regrows organs and tissues replacing lost limbs and other failed body parts. Many 'boomers and seniors, despite getting up in years, enjoy near-perfect health in the 2020s, and prospects for an indefinite lifespan in the not-too-distant future are now accepted by mainstream doctors everywhere.

    Advanced computers and powerful artificial intelligence have enabled researchers to unravel the mysteries of consciousness, which has led to robots that perform human tasks.

    'Smart' machines have replaced many teachers, physicians and other professionals. Some thought this would wreak economic havoc, but it proved just the opposite. These robots have raised service levels by allowing humans to spend more time with clients and patients, which has actually increased incomes.

    2030s – Industrialization spreads worldwide. Collision-proof driverless cars zip people about at 50-150 mph, reducing auto fatalities to near zero; hypersonic flights whisk people around the world in an hour; a recent Mars landing has boosted space interest; and except for violence and accidents, most people can expect to live indefinitely. Futurists predict that children born in the 2030s will enjoy excellent health well into the next millennium.

    Recent nanotech breakthroughs have encouraged corporations to spread the wealth of innovation and productivity to five-billion industrialized people. With powerful artificial intelligence systems automating most human labor and more people benefiting from medical breakthroughs, human prospects have never looked better.

    2040s – Countries become more secure and improve their image by joining the Global Village. Governments enhance their world status by joining a global community that encourages diversity in cultural traditions. A group of representatives from the US, EU, China, and India set values and behavior standards for each member nation.

    Society works hard to curb destructive tendencies. Wars, crime, and other forms of violence still exist, but a shrinking cultural gap between Islam and the West is creating a more peaceful world.

    With most killer diseases gone, Earth population has ballooned to ten billion. Seven billion are part of a knowledge society and pretty much enjoy a scarcity-free life; three billion still lead a competitive existence in industrial and agrarian areas.

    What's next? – By 2075, scientists harness molecular nanotech to prevent dangerous weather. Nanobots launched into the atmosphere and underground to Earth's tectonic plates enable scientists to prevent dangerous storms and render earthquakes harmless. Using tomorrow's artificial intelligence to prevent negative consequences, researchers are altering Mother Nature. Rain and sunshine can now be directed to fall where needed.

    Get ready to enjoy what promises to become an incredible Earth 2050 future.

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.