Period Futures

[Flyfisher]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16536598

OK, probably not the most rigorous example of futurology, but I found this article somewhat interesting as it is largely based on reader feedback rather than 'expert' predictions. Thus, regardless of accuracy, it hints at what the man on the Clapham omnibus thinks the future will be like, which is, I think, an interesting subject in itself.

Unsurprisingly, environmental doom and gloom doesn't seem to figure too highly in these predictions. Indeed, there seems to be a general air of optimism.

It's nice to know that all the effort put into preserving our built heritage may be appreciated by future generations not wiped out by global warming. :wink:

 

[robgil]

How about this prediction, oil will run dry, war famine and disease will kill billions, energy will be rationed, sea levels will rise, global warming will badly effect eco systems and as a result crops will fail, drought will effect many parts of the world as we have been witnessing from last year until now, America will have A massive war with China that none of us can afford taking us all down with it, nuclear waste will be a massive problem, the oceans will be dead and our children will be the ones who have to deal with it because half of us prefer to think we live in TV land where elevators to space will be common sight.

Sometimes it's easier not to think about such things.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Yeah - but I'll be dead by then so won't be worrying too much about it... :wink:

 

[robgil]

Yeah - but I'll be dead by then so won't be worrying too much about it... :wink:

Not long now,it being 2012 n all. :shock:

 

[biffvernon]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Optimism_bias

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract

http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/green_book_guidance_optimism_bias.htm

http://www.thersa.org/events/our-events/the-optimism-bias

 

[Flyfisher]

For a less intellectual explanation . . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlBiLNN1NhQ

 

[Penners]

How about this prediction, oil will run dry, war famine and disease will kill billions, energy will be rationed, sea levels will rise, global warming will badly effect eco systems and as a result crops will fail, drought will effect many parts of the world as we have been witnessing from last year until now, America will have A massive war with China that none of us can afford taking us all down with it, nuclear waste will be a massive problem, the oceans will be dead and our children will be the ones who have to deal with it because half of us prefer to think we live in TV land where elevators to space will be common sight.

But apart from that, Rob, do you think everything will be OK?

:roll:

 

[Penners]

It's nice to know that all the effort put into preserving our built heritage may be appreciated by future generations not wiped out by global warming.

I suspect that the most important prediction, in that regard, is the one about nuclear fusion. If we really can come up with that as a safe and commercially viable proposition, then shall have solved the most intractable problem facing our species.

My mild optimism that continuous, cold fusion can ultimately be achieved probably betrays my profound ignorance of the subject.

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Penners, I share your mild optimism.

The track record of our species, to date, in scientific endeavour/success is exemplary (nay unparalleled, as far as we know 8) ).

I am confident we will overcome this one - swiftly followed by lead into gold :wink: .

If we fail, we'd better hope that the B-team do better with time travel to go back and unravel the mess. Although as they haven't so far appeared in our midst to do this, I think we can safely assume the A-team were ultimately successful! I just hope the B-team are not working through Biff and the "live in a cave" strategy... :shock: :lol:

In the meantime, as I have oft-urged, it would be prudent to stockpile sandbags, food and guns.

 

[Penners]

If we fail, we'd better hope that the B-team do better with time travel to go back and unravel the mess. Although as they haven't so far appeared in our midst to do this, I think we can safely assume the A-team were ultimately successful!

I'd never thought of that, FW. A cheery thought to brighten our day, after Rob's unmitigated negativity!

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Yes - I'm sure it's some sort of paradox, but in this case doesn't end up with us disappearing up our own fundament!

 

[robgil]

Did I mention over population to the extent that our Earth will not be able to sustain us all?

 

[FamilyWiggs]

Did I mention over population to the extent that our Earth will not be able to sustain us all?

Again, whilst I have Malthusian tenencies, we've not yet failed to find technical solutions to this. That presumably can't go on forever though...

 

[robgil]

You mean having less babies? That wont go down too well.

 

[biffvernon]

It there are to be worthwhile period properties for the future we'd better learn how to build with these tools, described by Ben Law in one of his round wood videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNg1468tBYM&feature=youtu.be

 

[biffvernon]

And this document outlines the problems raised by Building Regs impeding low impact dwellings.

http://www.lammas.org.uk/ecovillage/documents/BuildingRegulationsandLIDpaperbySimonDaleandJasmineSaville.pdf

 

[wobs]

Some have been quite good at predicting the future:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16444966

Note that most reflect a demand.

 

[Penners]

I have Malthusian tenencies

That's the first time that I've heard of a landlord who insists on a contraceptive clause in the lease.

OK, I'm pushing the spelling envelope, too, but that shouldn't stand in the way of a wisecrack opportunity.

 

[robgil]

It there are to be worthwhile period properties for the future we'd better learn how to build with these tools, described by Ben Law in one of his round wood videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNg1468tBYM&feature=youtu.be

The problem being Biff running out of woodland areas if we all built wooden houses.

 

[biffvernon]

We're planting more trees than we're cutting down in the UK.

Here's how to convert a tree into a square beam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueIB0h4SzHc

Note the steel toe-capped boots.