Alvin Toffler, renowned for his visionary books like "Future Shock" and "The Third Wave," depicts monumental challenges in an era of constant change, especially amid the information technology and energy revolutions.
Physicist Michio Kaku, who built an atom smasher in his garage which generated a magnetic field 20,000 times greater than the Earth's, points to opportunities and challenges at both individual and global levels given the pace of scientific advancements. The author of "Physics of the Future" and "The Future of Humanity" discusses the implications of tech development that he thinks would eventually lead to human habitation of other planets.
Dr Peter Diamandis, who earned degrees in Molecular Genetics and Aerospace Engineering from MIT and holds an MD from Harvard Medical School, author of best-sellers “Abundance” and “BOLD”, sees dramatic abundance for all.
Following are some of the key takeaways from what they've stated, and how it may affect our own lives:
#1. Abundance
Dr Diamandis, a prominent futurist and entrepreneur, argues that technology is a great enabler. It frees up access to resources and opportunities, leading to abundance for all.
One evidence: the World Bank reported that over the last 25 years (1993 to 2018), more than a billion people have lifted themselves out of extreme poverty, and the global poverty rate is now lower than it has ever been in recorded history.
This, while world population grew from 3.7 billion in 1970 to 8 billion in 2023, a nearly two-fold growth, according to Macrotrends. On the other hand, global gross domestic product (GDP) reached $75 trillion in 2013, 22 times its 1970 level of $3.4 trillion. Then the world economy hit $105 trillion in 2023, a 30-fold increase from 1970, according to the International Monetary Fund report.
This is not to say that everyone has equal access to that resource, but growth in real GDP means jobs are available, enabling people have more money in their pockets.
#2. More clean water, less extreme poverty
Access to clean water is a basic human need. Having clean water at home is a good sign and a major pushback against extreme poverty, and a key health booster.
Between 2015 and 2022, the proportion of the world’s population with access to safely managed drinking water increased from 69 per cent to 73 per cent, according to a UN report. Still, billions of people will lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in 2030 unless progress quadruples.
In the last 20 years, absolute poverty and hunger have gone down, and the number of low-income countries also declined by half. This is considered one of the greatest human achievements of our time.
Of the people considered "poor", 99 per have access to electricity, 95 per cent have TV, 88 per cent have mobile phone. In the US, 70 per cent of "poor" people drive a car and have air-conditioning.
In the East Asia and Pacific region, extreme poverty has significantly dropped in recent years. In 1990, 53 per cent of people living in extreme poverty lived in East Asia and the Pacific; this contrasts with only 4 per cent in 2022, according to Development Initiatives, a UK-based think-tank.
Still, the challenge remains: Billions of people will lack access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in 2030, unless progress quadruples.
#3. Sustainable agriculture
Farmers increasingly use technology to make advances in producing more food for less. Through the use of technology, each farmer is able to feed 155 people today. Sustainable agriculture — sustainable farming — produces food and livestock over the long term with minimal negative effects on the environment.
The goal: provide food for growing human populations while preserving the ecosystem. Organic farming, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management, integrated farming, crop rotation, integrated crop management, vertical and urban farming are some of the approaches to sustainable farming. Armela Farms currently produces 5,000 heads of lettuce and one tonne of kale daily Image Credit: Supplied
#4. Learning revolution
Through interactive platforms, multimedia content, and virtual simulations, technology has created dynamic learning environments that captivate and involve students on a deeper level – turning learning into a game, as natural as a child's play.
Toffler, however, described how learning is like rowing upstream; not to advance is to drop back. In this situation, every daily practice and every human skill set is steadily made obsolete by a rapidly-changing techno-socio-economic landscape. In the 21st Century, Toffler argues, the “illiterate” are not those who cannot read and write but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.
#5. Artificial intelligence
Dr Michio Kaku, best-selling author and theoretical physicist, anticipates significant advancements in AI, with AI systems becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life. He reckons AI could revolutionise various fields, including healthcare, transportation, and communication. AI has increased our ability to learn by 1,000 times in a year.
For example, ChatGPT has revolutionised the nature and volume of data transfer in record time. AI, however, is a double-edged sword: hackers could hijack AI-driven vehicles toward self-destruction, malevolent influencers distort facts, rapidly produce and spread misleading information with “deep fake” techniques, thus creating a fresh challenge for the world today.
#6. Entrepreneurial spirit
Dr. Diamandis is a great promoter of entrepreneurship. He sees it as the power behind the drive towards innovation, which creates positive change in society.
Entrepreneurship creates a culture of risk-taking and experimentation. Entrepreneurs who are willing to try new things are often at the forefront of innovation – i.e. the telephone, electricity, cars, planes, X-ray, Starlink – and they can create new markets and spur economic growth.
Entrepreneurs are often key to developing ideas and solutions to problems while creating new products and services. An ecosystem that cultivates entrepreneurship becomes an engine of economic growth, spurs transformation, creates new markets, and builds wealth.
#7. Global connectivity
The increasing interconnectedness of the world allows for greater collaboration and knowledge sharing on a global scale. Connectivity, both in travel and communications, helps create greater abundance.
What used to take three months to cross the Pacific Ocean (in a galleon), has significantly gone down to a few hours with jet engines. Broadband communications have boosted people-to-people connections across the planet, creating greater opportunities. Global networking helps unlock wealth potential by providing access to valuable resources, opportunities, and support.
#8. Space exploration
Dr Diamandis suggests that rapid advancements in technology have the potential to address major global challenges and improve quality of life, not only in prolonging life expectancy on earth, but allowing humans to explore beyond the stars.
The best part: these ever-evolving developments, or the so-called “convergence” of technologies, help facilitate even more advanced features at an even faster pace.
Dr. Kaku predicts interplanetary colonisation, i.e. that humans will establish permanent colonies on other planets, particularly Mars, within the current century. He envisions these colonies as stepping stones toward becoming a multi-planetary species.
#9. Information revolution
From copper-based communications to satellites and fibre-optics broadband connection, we have come a long way from traditional audio calls to instant messaging, to video calls, to apps.
High-speed internet provides access to vast amounts of information, empowering individuals to learn and grow. One remarkable thing happens: there are 120,000 new books being produced every month. There were 33 million patents acquired in one decade.
#10. Demographic shifts, migration
Demographic trends are indicators of progress. In both China and India, globalisation — increased economic integration through trade and investment — has lifted hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty. It continues to do so.
At the on-going World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi, pointed out that 50 per cent of global growth comes from China and India. He touched upon China’s transition to clean energy and India’s STEM prowess.
Migration, on the other hand, boosts global GDP. Think about the impact of annual remittances ($860 billion in 2023), sent by non-residents citizens back to loved ones in their home countries. And think about their contributions to their host nations.
Immigrants generally contribute to the local economy, not only by filling gaps in the labour force (and even the army) and paying taxes, but also by spending money on goods, housing, infrastructure and transportation. Where immigrants are seen as a problem, the more creative ones see in them a solution.
Openness to migration, trade and investment flows is a key factor in lifting economic growth overall. Shutting others out spells stagnation, or decay.
#11. Green solutions
Innovations in renewable energy, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices offer hope for addressing environmental challenges.
Solutions include the Internet of Things (IoT) and environmental monitoring, renewable energy technologies (including solar, wind, hydro, nuclear fission/fusion), green building and sustainable architecture, electric cars, planes, ships and trains, waste management and recycling technologies and machine learning that leverage these advances.
#12. Quantum computing
Dr Kaku foresees the development of practical quantum computers, which could solve complex problems at speeds far beyond what is currently possible with classical computers.
China's "Origin Wukong" third-generation 72-qubit superconducting quantum computer, makes it the most advanced programmable and deliverable superconducting quantum computer in China. In 2023, Japan's "Fugaku" supercomputer was used to develop Japanese language Generative AI Models by the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Riken Research Institute, Fujitsu Ltd and Tohoku University.
Until last year, tThe US "Frontier" stood as the world's only official exascale supercomputer. Completed in May 2022, it opened for general scientific use in April 2023. Weighing nearly 270 tonnes, Frontier contains more than 40,000 processors that make it about 1 million times more powerful than an average desktop computer.
Quantum computers excel at solving problems that are too large, complex, or cumbersome for even the most powerful supercomputers. Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionise fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science.
#13. Lifespan extension
Life expectancy has already drastically increased worldwide. In 1900, newborns had an average life expectancy of 32 years. This soared to 71 years by 2021. This progress, alongside medical advancements, includes predictive analytics utilising healthcare data for operational decisions and disease management.
Dr. Kaku anticipates biotechnological breakthroughs, like genetic engineering and regenerative medicine, potentially reversing aging and curing diseases, further extending human lifespan and improving overall health.
#14. War and anti-war
"Toffler's "War and Anti-War" delves into warfare's evolution and pathways to peace. It stresses the importance of comprehending the complexities of modern conflict, integrating technology, economics – and culture – to address root causes effectively.
Toffler underscores the necessity for innovative diplomacy, governance, and global cooperation to avert future conflicts and foster a more harmonious world.
#15. Peace-making, a $17-trillion opportunity
At the on-going World Government Summit (WGS) 2024 in Dubai, attendees were told how costs of disputes, conflicts and violence worldwide amounts to $17 trillion – in one year. Even using 6 per cent of this figure can cover the most critical challenges facing humanity.
Turning swords into plowshares brings huge peace dividends, even if a small part of that huge resource is channelled into education, health and the elimination of hunger. The message: by focussing on opportunities – and on what unites us more than what divides us – the world can overcome conflicts and challenges.
Takeaways
Embracing an abundance mindset, a positive view of the world and the future, is a choice. It transform our outlook.
It also cultivates positive thought patterns, boosts our drive to actively seek out opportunities for positive impact and growth.
It allows us to manifest desired outcomes through motivated actions rather reactions driven by fear.
The common thread among these great minds: Given the vast space and increasingly quicker pace of progress, a common destiny of peace and abundance for all of humanity is possible tomorrow by making the right choices today.
