The world and its many societies are constantly evolving; not only are populations growing larger around the globe, but technology is advancing at a rapid pace. This will result in heightened demands for energy, and the means of production will become more technologically based. As the world moves toward increased globalization, we will see changes in energy demands and resource use; distribution advancements in the global food system; and urbanization and urban systems will begin to lose influence as dominant economic sectors.
One change we can already see occurring is in the energy sector, which remains largely dependent upon oil. However, this has caused two main problems of which we are aware today: first, oil is a non-renewable resource, which means at some point it will run out; and second, that oil consumption is largely responsible for climate change, which can lead to catastrophic results if the climate is not maintained. Therefore, the main shift we will see in energy production and resource use is a movement away from oil. It is currently unclear what energy source will replace oil and other fossil fuels, but there are currently technologies available that will most likely shape how we use energy in the future.
The first of these would be increased use of electric vehicles, which are currently available; the second will be increased use of solar and wind technologies. Currently, the main barriers to these types of energy is cost; while the technology exists, it is still much cheaper to purchase a gas-powered vehicle than an electric vehicle. However, electric vehicle technology is still largely in its infancy. As technology advances, the costs will inevitably come down. The same can be said for solar energy, and wind energy or geothermal energy in areas that have access to these sources. Thus, as oil availability decreases, there will be a rise in alternative sources of energy. The geographic implication is that there will be less territorial conflicts over oil deposits, so as we learn to better utilize alternative energy sources, we will hopefully see fewer wars being fought over oil.
Growing populations around the globe will also see a rising demand for food. The benefit of increased globalization in this regard is that it becomes easier to create a food distribution network under a global system. Whether the organizations responsible for producing and distributing food remains corporate, or part of a larger social system, is unclear; however, the advent of globalization has made it so organizations can produce food in one part of the globe, and distribute it to another region in need. Advancements in transportation and food production will make it easier than ever before to ensure that all people have basic access to food, wherever they live. The main hindrance to this global food distribution network is that many lands that can produce food on a large scale are also being threatened by urban development.
Thus, it is the responsibility of the current generation to ensure that enough sustainable land is maintained for the growing demands of food production. However, the more interconnected we become, through an increasingly globalized political structure, the better we will be able to allocate resources. There is no reason as to why there should be a food surplus in one area, and a demand for food in another area; thus, globalization can help this distribution problem because a global society is in a better position to properly allocate food for those in need.
A third way we will see society evolve is that urban systems will become less dominant in regard to the economy and the popular culture. This will be largely due to advancements in technology, as many services can now be conducted remotely. Urbanization was originally the result of a demand for industrial labor. As city populations grew, they became the dominant economic sectors. However, many of the types of industrial labor once performed by individuals will be overtaken by computerized machines. Additionally, many other industries are shifting toward online models that do not require people to be in close proximity with one another. Many of the conveniences once associated with city life are no longer restricted to only the city. The internet has essentially made urban life unnecessary.
For instance, shopping can be conducted entirely online, and we can communicate with our friends and loved ones in a virtual space. People can now receive an advanced education and a degree without ever stepping foot in a physical university. With all of these advancements, there is no longer an essential need to live in the city in order to maintain a certain quality of life. When overpriced real estate values and high crime rates are also considered, the idea of living in a major urban area begins to lose much of its luster. Therefore, urban systems will no longer be the dominant cultural and economic power, and this trend will continue as internet technologies continue to advance. Even emerging technologies still in their infancy, such as virtual reality, have significant implications on how we will interact with our environments in the future. Cities will remain influential, but they will not continue to grow as they have in the past.
As the world becomes increasingly global, we will therefore see shifts in energy use and production, food allocation, and the influence of urban systems. These will be the result of growing population needs as well as advancements in technology. A global future is an interconnected future, and once we are able to overcome political hurdles preventing globalization, we will be in a better position to ensure that all of humanity’s needs are provided for.
