-Isms

What will the world look like in 2030?

The New York Times posed that question to a group of public figures, ranging from politicians to authors to academics.

After reading most of the responses, the outlook seems pretty bleak.

Former N.S.A contractor Edward Snowden discusses how the things society demands for the sake of convenience will be our downfall.

He writes, “As consumer electronics get cheaper and more disposable, the more they will leach their minerals into our groundwater, poisoning the future.”

Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang discusses challenges associated with automation, especially when related to jobs.

According to Yang, 78% of people live paycheck-to-paycheck and college graduates are “drowning in debt.” Automation, which will take over the world of work, will only make things worse.

Ezra Klein, editor at Vox.com, sees hope in the clean meat industry, which may skyrocket into a multibillion dollar venture.

By 2030, an approximate $12 trillion corporate debt bubble will burst and break the economy, according to financial writer Alexandra Scaggs.

Wisconsin Representative Mike Gallagher foresees Chinese cryptocurrencies threatening the U.S. dollar.

Dambisa Moyo, an economist, writes that the world’s population could reach 9 billion people by 2030, creating overcrowding and other conditions that affect the societal hierarchy.

Still, some of the respondents offered hope.

Author Min Jin Lee sees a resurgence in religion, especially among young people.

Stacy Abrahms, a democrat from Georgia, believes U.S. citizens will forge forward to create a “participatory democracy,” where identity isn’t defined by political bias or racial identity. And, she sees people working together to form stronger alliances at home and abroad.

Novelist Jami Attenberg believes there will be a resurgence in independent businesses. Attenberg talks about how the internet could have killed small bookstores, but how writers and readers team together to create partnerships and readership.

I remember being in kindergarten. The Jetsons, a popular animated sitcom, was already in syndication. George Jetson flew to work via car and a robotic maid - Rosie - cleaned house, even though mom, Jane, didn’t work outside the home.

We were sure certain by the time Y2K arrived we would all have cars that flew, trips to the moon would be popular weekend getaways and the work week would mirror George’s: one hour a day for two days a week.

Man, weren’t we bamboozled by the Hanna-Barbera creation?

What will 2030 look like?

It would be great to have a crystal ball and be able to predict the future, to determine if society is contributing to its purported demise.

While technological advances assist with the speed of work, I see how technology creates more havoc, fostering a sense of mistrust among consumers.

As we enter that decade 20 years from now, I’ll reach 70 years on this earth, and while I am grateful for advances we’ve made, I also fear for the future of this country and worry if we will stay one nation, under God.

All actions provoke a reaction, whether it’s buying from local, independent businesses or contributing to the deterioration of our environment.

How 2030 will look depends on you and me, our neighbors, family and friends, and the decisions we ultimately make.

Choose wisely.