In this post I weave through some recent developments and commentaries, threaded together on the theme of climate and looking ahead.
Don't plan on orderly transitions
The speeds of life
We focus on the rapid pace of change today. But that’s not so special, as any Victorian could tell us. A video that captures some of the changes during Victorian times is instructive. But don’t overlook things that don’t change, or that slow down. Good foresight, though, is less about velocities and more about destinations.
A future of government
Beyond the Robofarm
It’s easy to get momentarily excited about robots on the farm, particularly if they are close to home, picking apples or herding stock. But robots are a means not the end.
Future nation
Two centuries ago there was an allegory doing the rounds of England. A “New Zealander” – meaning a Māori - at some latter date sat drawing the ruins of London. A sign that all great cities and civilisations eventually diminish and others take their place.