Watch 'Earth 2100' June 2 at 9 p.m. Reminder »
Posted By Eagle_Eye 5 months, 1 week ago in Science & TechnologyWatch 'Earth 2100' June 2 at 9 p.m
t's an idea that most of us would rather not face -- that within the next century, life as we know it could come to an end. Our civilization could crumble, leaving only traces of modern human existence behind.
To change the future, first you have to imagine it.
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It seems outlandish, extreme -- even impossible. But according to cutting edge scientific research, it is a very real possibility. And unless we make drastic changes now, it could very well happen.
Experts have a stark warning: that unless we change course, the "perfect storm" of population growth, dwindling resources and climate change has the potential to converge in the next century with catastrophic results.
Watch "Earth 2100," a two-hour television event, Tuesday, June 2, at 9 p.m. ET.
In order to plan for the worst, we must anticipate it. In that spirit, guided by some of the world's experts, ABC News' "Earth 2100," hosted by Bob Woodruff, will journey through the next century and explore what might be our worst-case scenario.
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But no one can predict the future, so how do we address the possibilities that lie ahead? Our solution is Lucy, a fictional character devised by the producers at ABC to guide us through the twists and turns of what the next 100 years could look like. It is through her eyes and experiences that we can truly imagine the experts' worst-case scenario -- and be inspired to make changes for the better.
The Future: It's Nearer Than We Think
By 2015, there are expected to be hopeful signs. Experts predict alternative energy solutions that are currently in their infancy will gain momentum. Windmills may sprout up everywhere. Off the coast of Scotland, a sprawling wave farm will harvest renewable energy from the ocean. Vatican City will meet all of its energy needs with solar power. And the U.S. will produce cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles in accordance with newly unveiled emissions guidelines.
But will it be enough? In 2015, global demand for fossil fuels could be massive and growing, but experts say oil will be harder to find and far more expensive to consume.
"We have no new source of energy on the horizon that's currently capable of being developed on a large enough scale to replace the supply of oil in any near- term framework," says Michael Klare, professor of peace and world security studies at Hampshire College.
If the cost of gasoline skyrockets, few may be able to afford to maintain the lifestyles to which we've grown accustomed. There may be a mass exodus from the suburbs, as driving gas-fueled cars becomes nearly impossible economically. But will that convince us to change our ways?
"Until we have a crisis of some kind, I don't think we're going to be motivated to make the really deep changes in the way we use energy, the technologies we use, the density of our cities, our travel patterns," says Thomas Homer-Dixon, a political science professor and author of "The Upside of Down."
Read Full Story at abcnews.go.com »
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Submitted By:
Eagle_Eye
I am a female who has lived a complex life with complex situations and have learned a lot from my experiences.
I love the Environment ...
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orndorffter5 months, 1 week ago
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The 14th of this month I well be 58 years old, so in 2050 I woild have to live long enoughto see it, I think I would be 108 years. but I look for it to happen dooner then one knows, maybe I well still be around and I well tell everybody about this day and EE who was the one who put the story out. And I am ging to write all this in my book I wrie in everyday Reflections from a mothers heart. This way they well know I was already prepared for it. Keep on trucken EE it keeps getting better and I'll keep writing. Thanks EE.
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simonsez5 months, 1 week ago
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orndorffter5 months, 1 week ago
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Oh I sure do beleave its going to happen, only I am afraid it well happen sooner then anyone thinks, EE I see things going on now that are parents talked about and things I learned in the Bible, most all has already happened and some are just starting, Yes sir I know it well come soon enough.
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Eagle_Eye5 months, 1 week ago
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Hi ornd, I agree with you there when you say you all ready see it happening, I see a lot to and much more than the average person because of my environment and wildlife experience.
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It wouldn't take to much to upset the balance of life on this planet and extinction is forever, the end, over with , done, finish, etc...
There is a law in the Universe and it goes like this: What you give out you get back blessed and multiplied many times, what we have been giving out in this century is not enough to keep the world in balance.
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Eagle_Eye5 months, 1 week ago
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Continued here:
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http://www.propeller.com/story/2009/06/02/39planet... -
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a-tex5 months, 1 week ago
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This reminds me of another planet-at-risk piece that ABC did called “Soylent Green”, in which the overpopulation problem of the future is solved by turning people into tasty little crackers. I believe that had slightly greater scientific merit than did Earth 2100.
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