Major breakthroughs in wind turbine technology and new weather patterns have made wind energy ubiquitous. If communities want cheap energy they have turbines on the landscape.
Trends & Issues
Given technology advancements and economic incentives, many mid-size cities redo large portions of their urban fabric, buildings and land use. Cities and their in-habitants are able to “start-over” in a controlled process.
The Government enforces policy guidelines and penalties for fair wage distribution. Many companies practice a local give back as part of their activities in a region.
Despite huge international efforts to reverse the extinction rate of species, the point of no return has been passed. People are beginning to understand the colossal complexity and interdependence between species.
Desperate shortage of nutritious food production is the number one global concern. Food prices rise dramatically, shrinking disposable income for many people.
Rising demand for solutions enabling ultra-light vehicles to withstand crashes with large, heavy, legacy vehicles. New materials and collision avoidance technologies allow safety for small vehicles on most roads but more progress is needed.
Open access to networks of trust, crowd wisdom and hi-quality data is spontaneously and rapidly educating, spreading new ideas and shifting age-old perceptions as they sweep through large populations.
Due to dramatic environmental effects, fossil fuels are essentially illegal. All energy must be clean and green. Energy is available but it is very expensive. Renewable technology and supplies have not caught up with demand.
Political terrorists find mega-hacking to be more effective than suicide bombing.
Overcrowded, Tsunami prone South East Asia can no longer ignore vast, unpopulated Australia and millions illegally occupy the Northern Territories. Despite massive diplomatic efforts, the old ANZAC alliance dares not take on China and its allies militarily.