Looking 5 minutes, 5 years, and 50 years ahead 

By Bronwyn Williams

This trend briefing looks at global socio-economic future threats that mark the journey to our imagined, created and shared future by taking a long-term view of how the current trends will unfold to build the foundation of the rights that will govern the future. 

5 minutes: Just the basics

The right to clean air and water – which are taken for granted – are under threat in an age of geoengineering, “clean air as a subscription service”, and where humans compete with AI data centres for clean water. To move forward, we need to get our foundations and priorities right!

5 years: Crossing the DNA divide. 

We are nearing a one-way crossing point, where for the first time in human history, as generative AI meets generative biology, we can create and recreate our bodies and our descendants’ bodies and minds through intelligent, self-directed design. But what does that mean for the right to remain “human”? And the future of inequality, at a cellular, not just a currency and country level?

And what about the “infinitely idealistic demand for healthcare” as present and future generations clash around rights to life-saving and life-manipulating technologies?

50 years: Beyond human

As we near the end of the century, how shall rights extend beyond humanity as we know it towards the rest of nature (and even, possibly towards semi / sentient AIs) – and the planetary bodies that surround us? As we embark upon lunar capitalisation and colonisation, the rights to our skies and stars need to be considered, now, to preserve the safety and sustainability of present and future generations.

Who should book this trend briefing?

NGOs, Policy Makers, Politicians, Community Leaders, Business Leaders and anyone who wants a clear view of the biggest global socio-economic future threats and the best ideas on how to solve them. 

If you are interested in booking this trend briefing for your team or clients, contact us at info@fluxtrends.co.za or +27764539405.