One Planet

If we have learned anything from the past 30 years, it's the reality that the internet has merged citizens from every country into a global mass of humanity, with shared needs and problems. Like finding food, and disposing of garbage.

This is apparent wherever you look. In the weather, the oceans, and the social media universe. Some of this is good. In theory, at least, global trade is the most efficient means ever devised for distributing products.

Sadly, it is equally effective at distributing waste, including plastic waste that floats indefinitely, until it washes up on some beach. Electronic waste is fast catching up as a cause for global concern, crying out for action.
Internet 3.0, 2020s map

  Global Selfie
This is one planet, fully connected. There are lots of benefits to be derived from this arrangement. Immensely complex systems can be managed remotely, by automated systems that continually assess changing conditions. The flip side is that hackers, terrorists and global anarchists can suddenly immobilize parts of this automated framework. Manual backups don't exist.

Mideast wealth, 2020 map

  Global Showpiece
To view the upside of globalism, a good place to visit is the oil-rich region of the Persian Gulf. Here, fabulous hotels, resorts, and business towers loom over harbors bustling with commerce. Especially at night, the brilliance is mesmerizing. This may seem a little ostentatious, but the motivation is the same as that which has driven Americans to the present day. Glittering display is taken as an indicator of great ability, and importance.


Global oil consumption, 2020 map

  Global Timebomb
The ORANGE circles above indicate current oil consumption, which is a big driver of climate change. But charts of world oil consumption are currently leveling off, while similar charts for electricity generated by wind and solar are rising steadily. One leading source of pollution, however, has so far been largely ignored. Methane released from cattle, raised to satisfy a growing global appetite for meat, is a more potent source of greenhouse effects than all transportation and industrial pollution combined. Really.