May 15 2008 / by futuretalk
Category: Other Year: General Rating: 8 Hot
By Dick Pelletier
What will life be like in 2075? Of course nobody can accurately
predict that far in advance, but by examining present-day
knowledge, we can come up with plausible scenarios of how our
future could unfold. 
We begin with technologies that radically changed our lives and
re-defined what it meant to be human. Biotech, nanotech, and
infotech advances quickly led to development of powerful bodies and
minds resistant to disease and aging, and by 2040, indefinite
lifespan had become the norm. Robots, immersive virtual reality,
and a terabyte-speed Internet provided excitement that kept us
forever active in our extended lives.
After concerns over health and dying disappeared, environmental
issues took center stage. Nano-replicators, appearing in mid-2020s,
supplied most of our food, clothing, and gadgets. By mid-century,
researchers began using this wonder science to terraform Earth by
converting greenhouse gasses to oxygen and creating an abundance of
clean water.
Space exploration took on added importance early in the 21st
century. Military budgets racing upwards, diverted to a more
logical area to achieve peace – creation of other worlds that
promised new experiences for the bold-at-heart, and as many
believed, would also lessen conflicts between war-minded
neighbors.
Moon trips resumed in 2020 and explorers established the first
colony with safe habitats for permanent living in 2024.
Humans-to-Mars dreams finally became reality too. In 2030,
astronauts made the first Mars landing and began construction of a
permanent base. Trips initially taking 10 months one-way now take
only 10 hours by utilizing new fuels, and by jumping off planets
from space elevators instead of old-fashioned launch vehicles.
(cont.)
By mid-century, terraforming also began on Moon and Mars, and
today, people enjoy Earth-like atmosphere on these remote worlds,
with lakes, rivers and forests. Free land and housing for settlers
has helped Moon population reach 10,000, Mars 50,000, and by the
end of the century, experts predict growth will rise to 2 million
and 10 million respectively. “Territorial” governments are now
claiming “independent” status and efforts are underway to form an
alliance of world governments similar to the fictional Star Trek
“Federation.”
However, our joys of progress turned to shock and caution
recently when the newly-launched “Space Eye” observatory detected
radiation rising from a star system at the far end of the Milky Way
galaxy indicating the existence of an alien world, classified “Type
3” by astronomer Nikolai Kardashev’s advanced civilizations’
ratings. This alien world could amass power billions of times
greater than Earth, and it may already be developing wormholes
which would enable travel throughout the galaxy, including to our
three worlds.
Discovery of these powerful aliens have brought people together,
minimizing religious and ethnic differences, but huge issues
remain. Are they friendly or hostile? Do we attempt to contact
them, or should we conceal our presence until we can protect
ourselves? World leaders are polling their citizens for opinions.
Which position should humanity take confrontation or concealment?
(Blog readers’ opinions also welcome)
Every scenario mentioned in this article is consistent with
known laws and theories of physics and biology, and are within the
capabilities of human accomplishment. Get ready Gang, to enjoy this
very bold “magical future.”
Comments welcome.
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