Think: Swiss Re, the giant insurance firm, has warned that climate change could cut the world economy by 23 trillion by 2050. If you are inclined to doubt such numbers, I encourage you to think about these 5 charts showing the growth of natural catastrophes in a changing climate.
Think Optimistically: The above numbers and charts might be depressing but from forestry to the construction industry, a world of opportunity awaits those who are willing to embrace more sustainable technologies. These two articles highlight the incredible opportunity: Bioplastic Made from Wood Products Degrades Entirely in Three Months and Super-White Paint Can Cut Air Conditioning Bill by 80 Percent.
Think Fast: Advances in robotics and 3D printing are coming fast and furious. Whether you are in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, or retail, these technologies are poised to transform your industry faster than you might think: Dominoes Starts Making Autonomous Pizza Deliveries, Seattle Startup Sends Laser-Equipped Robots to Zap Weeds on Farmland, and This is the First House to be 3D Printed from Raw Earth.
Think Faster: If you are in the grocery or retail industry, the possibility of cashierless stores is a trend you need to be thinking about now because the technology is already to be used in full-size supermarkets.
Think the Unthinkable: The advances in artificial intelligence promise a world of benefits, but there is also a dark side. Once such “unthinkable” scenario is politicians being tricked into taking unwarranted actions based on “deep-fake” videos. Recently, Dutch politicians were tricked into thinking they were talking to a Russian opposition leader.
P.S. In a separate and even more unthinkable scenario, the U.S agency in charge of nuclear weapons sent out this ominous Tweet last week: “The spectrum of conflict today is neither linear nor predictable. We must account for the possibility of conflict leading to conditions which could very rapidly drive an adversary to consider nuclear use as their least bad option.” (I trust we can all agree that the reason it behooves us to think about such unthinkable things is for the sole purpose of making sure that neither we nor anyone else on this planet actually has to experience such a horrific act again.)
Thought of the Day: “Who you think you are each day completely determines the universe you live in.”–Ram Dass
Until next week: Don’t stop thinking about the future! But also never forget “It is easier to act your way into a new way of thinking than think your way into a new way of acting!”
