Society and Lifestyles in 2050: Insights from a Global Survey of Experts
This IGES report analyses how disruptions in environment, health, politics and technology will affect our lifestyles in 2050. Based on these, it forecasts how we can back cast and see what action we can take now, focusing on a more people-centered approach and on ‘soft’ changes in culture and norms, rather than ‘hard’ technological or economic fixes.
This IGES report analyses how disruptions in environment, health, politics and technology will affect our lifestyles in 2050. Based on these, it forecasts how we can back cast and see what action we can take now, focusing on a more people-centered approach and on ‘soft’ changes in culture and norms, rather than ‘hard’ technological or economic fixes. The three main observations: 1) The rate of physical and normative change will accelerate due to technological disruptions which could lead to a more tolerant society OR further polarization. 2) Societies will face more constraints due to ecological pressures and increased population, challenging access to meeting basic needs or institutions. 3) Although people are likely to become more concerned about environmental issues and well-being, increased inequality and instability can trigger survivalist mindsets, thus increasing gaps between individuals’ aspirations and reality.
