Future predictions: The past is a foreign country, or so it’s said. Well, so is the future – especially in these times of rapid change. Fear not, Almanac readers, our psychic has the inside scoop years early so you can future proof yourself.
Here’s some other things I can see for 2040.
Society
The 2020s will be a period of massive transformation. In fact, this is already underway, and it will gather pace in the coming years. Recent political trends are part of the pattern – darker forces, threatened by the coming changes, are trying to manipulate us and make us feel frightened. But I am not seeing these efforts succeeding.
By 2040, things will have come full circle. The world of work will be completely different; many of the jobs we take for granted now will no longer exist. With robots making people redundant, lots of people won’t be happy with where society is headed. There will be social unrest for a time.
But we will iron out these problems. It’s true that robots will take over lots of the work that humans do today, but we will create new jobs. Plus, governments will begin to pay their citizens a basic income, regardless of whether they work.
Technology
By 2040, technology will be almost invisible. I’m seeing smaller gadgets, worn in the ear or possibly elsewhere on our bodies. These will give us constant information; they will even translate foreign languages instantly.
Holograms will be part of everyday life, and technology will be activated by a simple gesture. I think computers and smartphones will be quaint memories of a bygone era as I’m not seeing these familiar devices; it seems instead that technology will be all around us.
Future predictions: In 2040, we’ll be able to imagine any reality we want
Virtual reality will also be big. This will bring a new set of social problems as some poor unfortunates become addicts, preferring their own personal utopia over reality. And who could blame them? But I can also see humans connecting with each other – otherwise it would be a very lonely future indeed. Most of us will learn to use this technology for our benefit, so it’s not all bad.
Future predictions: Technology
For those who can afford the latest technology, homes and offices will look very different by 2030. If you’re one of these lucky folks, you’ll be able to change your decor with a wave of your hand. When it’s time for work, you’ll command your building’s integrated computer to load the workspace programme. You’ll still have annoying co-workers, but you’ll connect with them remotely.
When work is over, the living space can become whatever you want. A home gym? No problem. A dinner party setting? Sure! Or perhaps a romantic theme to impress your date.
By 2040, medical treatments will be individually tailored. Nanobots will deliver treatments wherever they’re needed in the body. I’m also seeing a handheld device that’s passed over the skin, but I’m not sure if this is for diagnostic purposes or if it’s a treatment in itself.
‘Real-fake’ or ‘deepfake’ videos are going to cause problems over the next few years. For a time, we won’t know what to believe, as celebs and politicians caught up in scandals claim they’ve been ‘faked’. Public opinion will split on many issues. The good news is that this won’t last long because before 2040 arrives, we’ll have new technology that can weed out the fakes.
Future predictions: City Life
In the cities of 2040, technology will make our surroundings more pleasant and efficient. You can forget about the depressing future we see in sci-fi movies. I’m seeing beautifully designed high-rise buildings covered with greenery. The people walking along the city streets seem happy, the air seems clean.
Future predictions: Cities will be decamped
Everything from traffic planning and public transport, to waste management and energy supplies, will be instantly adjustable. We’ll feel safer, and you won’t need to phone your local council three times get the streetlamps outside your house fixed, or to have the rubbish your neighbour dumped in the laneway cleared; it will be done before you even know about it.
City life
Across the world, cities will get much bigger, although I’m not seeing huge cities here in Ireland. But we will see other changes. I’m seeing robot builders putting together walls made from something other than concrete. Buildings will be taller, with lifts that don’t just move up and down anymore. They will go in any direction on the building. It seems we’ll have more options as to how and where we build.
I think the houses of 2040 will be much cheaper as a result of these changes – great news for many young people who think they’ll never afford their own home.
Not everyone will be content to live in the cities of 2040 where everything is monitored. In this cashless society, you won’t even be able to buy a packet of crisps anonymously. Some won’t be happy with this level of scrutiny and will live in ‘off grid’ communities where they can barter and grow their own food. An exodus from cities is inevitable.
Food & Farming
In 2030, farmers won’t have to do all the hard work themselves. I think they’ll spend much of their time overseeing robots. I can see robots tending to animals and crops, and drones flying over plants. It seems that everything will be controlled to maximise efficiency and output. A good thing too, as there will be lots more people to feed.
There will also be different types of farms – we will grow food indoors and in cities. In fact, by 2030 some parts of the world will no longer grow food outdoors. This doesn’t seem to be the case in Ireland, although I think Irish farmers will branch out into new types of farming. I’m seeing vending machines that ‘print’ food at the touch of a button.
Future predictions: Buildings
Building under the ground will begin to make sense – although we might not be ready for underground skyscrapers just yet! However, it may be off-planet that this happens.
Working from home will be the norm for most office workers. Traffic jams will be a thing of the past.
And speaking of transport, cars won’t look like they do today. With the transition to self-driving cars almost complete, they will be re-imagined as spaces for work and recreation, so you can make the most of your time while getting from A to B. In fact, by 2030 we are all about the flying cars!
There are plenty more changes on the way – both good and bad. The future will be whatever we make it. And we’ll continue to adapt and survive, just as we’ve always done. Bring it on.
