Bright future for world predicted in coming decades

By Dick Pelletier

      

    What kind of future can we expect in the decades ahead? How might converging 21st century technologies – nanotech, biotech, infotech, and cognitech – change the way we live? Although it’s impossible to predict the future with 100% accuracy, by combining expected technology advances with present-day knowledge, we can make plausible guesses about how the future will unfold. The following decade-by-decade glance reveals what promises to become a most remarkable future.

    2010s – More people become techno-savvy as the world becomes fully-wired. Smart phones, the Internet, global trade, language translation and various other devices are giving birth to an interdependent humanity focused on improving healthcare and achieving higher financial goals.

    2020s – Researchers develop cutting-edge medicines, molecular nanotech miracles, and strong AI. Inexpensive regenerative medicine can regrow organs and tissues replacing lost limbs and other failed body parts. Most 'boomers and seniors enjoy near-perfect health, and many look forward to an indefinite lifespan.

    Strong AI has unraveled the mysteries of consciousness, which led to creation of robots that perform many human tasks. 'Smart' machines replace routine work of teachers, physicians, and lawyers. Some thought this would be an economical disaster, but it proved to be the opposite. It raised service levels by allowing more time to be spent with clients and patients, which has increased most professional incomes.

    2030s – Industrialization spreads everywhere. Automated highways zip people about in collision-proof driverless cars at 70 mph, which has reduced auto fatalities to near zero. Futuristic driverless-pilotless air/car versions of the family van are becoming popular. Hypersonic flights whisk people around the world in an hour. A thriving Moon colony and recent Mars landing has boosted space interest. Average lifespan has surpassed 120, and experts predict that children born in the 2030s can live in excellent health into the next millennium.

    Recent nanotech breakthroughs, along with better understanding in economics have encouraged corporations to spread the wealth of innovation, productivity, and economic growth to five billion industrialized people. With powerful artificial intelligence systems automating huge swaths of work, and people benefiting from new medicines, human prospects have never looked better.

    2040s – Countries find security and improve economies in a Global Village. Nation states around the world enjoy more security and improve their economical conditions by joining a global community that encourages diversity in cultural traditions. A group 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 eliminated, Earth population has ballooned to ten billion. Seven billion are part of the world’s knowledge society and pretty much enjoy a scarcity-free life; three billion still lead a competitive existence in industrial and agrarian areas.

    2050-to-2100 – Scientists harness molecular nanotech to prevent dangerous weather. Nanobots that change the molecular structure of Earth's atmosphere and tectonic plates enable scientists to prevent dangerous storms and render earthquakes harmless. Using advanced AI, researchers have learned how to alter Mother Nature and tame the weather.

    Get ready to enjoy this amazing "magical future" with humanity in control.

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