Scanning the Future

Futurist Peter Schwartz Speaks to Rensselaer Polytechnic Graduating Class

Today's number-one challenge—and opportunity—is to develop a long-term solution for our energy needs, business strategist Peter Schwartz told  the 2009 graduating class of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. "That means it must be nonpolluting and inexhaustible," he said.  A peaceful and prosperous world in 2050 is possible, but getting there will require "monumental innovation, collaboration, and leadership,"   Schwartz said. The top challenges Schwartz outlined are:   
  
1.  Creating long-term solutions to meet our energy demands sustainably. 

 
2.  Launching a bio-industrial revolution with sustainable manufacturing.  

3.  Understanding and enhancing the human brain to avert age-related impairments. 

 
4.  Improving agriculture to reduce costs and increase its energy and water efficiency.  

5.  Building sustainable cities through better urban planning and "smart architecture."  

6.  Stimulating job growth and economic development.  

7.  Fusing the technological with the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of human culture. 

 
8.  Advancing technological instruments to drive scientific discovery forward.

 
9.  Harnessing biological tools to advance human evolution.  

10.  Discovering new ways to lower the costs and environmental impact of  space flight and development.   

  
[Editor’s Note: The list provided by Schwartz appears to be long on the long-term, but short on the near term. The American year 2009 has shown us that items 1,2 4, and 6 must be given the greatest priority. Unless an extraordinary effort is made by individuals, organizations, and communities to improve agriculture (a major export), re-create manufacturing entities (more products versus services production), stimulate jobs and economic development (over 10% unemployment), and all with support from a decrease in energy use and cost – the American economy will continue to be abysmal.]