In the world of 2070, I imagine people to live vastly different lives due to advances in technology and the increasing relevance of climate change. Here are five of the most important areas where I imagine will influence us the most in 2070.
Artificial Intelligence
As artificial intelligence and machine learning begin playing more important roles in carrying out tasks, the need for human labor will substantially decrease. This will lead to a massive displacement of non-specialized workers and will likely cause large-scale political backlash. On the other hand, AI will also play an indispensable role in assisting specialized workers in tasks that require human supervision (surgery, aviation, etc.). This can lead to safer operations and more efficient transportation, which can benefit all of humanity.
Climate Change
As coastal cities experience more climate extremes such as floods and hurricanes, governments will no longer be able to ignore the issues of climate change. This will likely lead to tougher but necessary environmental policies, hurting businesses in the short run while buying time for the world to transition to a greener economy. In 2070, we will likely see some populations fleeing inland to escape floods and food prices skyrocket due to their destruction via extreme climate events.
Proximity of Technology
In 2070, we will also likely see our technology blend further within our lives. We currently interact with technology that exists outside our bodies (ex. smartphones, tablets, etc.), but 2070 will likely bring about technologies embedded within our bodies. Nanobots can continuously circle within our stomach to check for diseases, chips can be inserted within our brains so we can connect our minds to the world, and wearable will be a thing of the past. This integration of technology will likely increase the ease of communication and create a new class of human interaction.
Space Travel
As rocket technology advances, costs will significantly and space travel will become a popular form of travel for the middle-upper to upper class. Space elevators, hotels, and global trips will become the norm (and flat-earthers will be gone). Attempts at the colonization of Mars will begin as private space companies continuously send teams to the planet. The world will watch in awe as they realize the potential of humanity, but also realize the new problems of space ownership. Who owns Mars? What will space regulations look like?
Greener Diets
As the world comes to grips with the realities of farming animals, it will become increasingly difficult to justify the continual production of meat in both the developed and developing world. As a result, 2070 will see humans having very different diets, consisting of many plant-based alternatives. Protein will likely be obtained either artificially or through other means such as bugs. This will be a slow process but is bound to happen as the world can no longer manage the pollution that the meat industry produces.
