A FUTURISTIC OUTLOOK The following thought-provoking forecasts were published in The Futuristic Magazine, November-December 2007 issue. BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS As the economy continues to move away from manufacturing jobs and toward services and high-tech occupations, the United States will see a shrinking labor force and growing income disparity by 2050. At current spending levels, U.S. federal deficits will reach unsustainable levels in as little as two decades without significant policy changes. ENERGY Global oil production will soon peak as developing nations grow hungrier for oil supplies. Petroleum alternatives now comprise about 17% of global energy use. By 2020, 30% of global energy is likely to come from alternative sources. Tidal-current turbines and tidal stream turbines tapping the power of the Gulf Stream could provide energy for the growing population in Florida. Researchers from Florida State University have received a $5 million grant to see how the Gulf Stream, which flows at a rate of 1,000 faster than the Mississippi River, might be tapped for power. Researchers have discovered that hydrogen can be produced spontaneously when water is added to an aluminum and gallium alloy. This can aid in the switch from gasoline to fuel cells for small internal combustion engines like lawn mowers. ENVIRONMENT Average temperatures in the Arctic have risen at about twice the rate as for the rest of the planet. As global warming accelerates in polar regions, the Arctic Ocean could be temporarily ice-free during the summer of 2040. Ocean waters around Antarctica may be absorbing more CO2 as westerly winds continue a 30-year trend of shifting toward the pole. While this may mean a slower rate of global warming, than thought, the changes in ocean chemistry could damage habitats and marine organisms. The U.K. government has proposed that all newly constructed homes be non-fluorocarbon-emitting by 2016, with improvements in heating efficiency, lighting and insulation. HEALTH AND MEDICINE Researchers have found that high consumption of cocoa can help reduce the risk of death from heart disease and cancer. The active ingredient in natural cocoa helps blood vessels relax and thus improves blood flow. An osteoporosis epidemic will hit the U.S. in the next ten years. About ten million people in the US have osteoporosis and the number is expected to increase to 14 million by 2020. More replacement parts small bones, wrists and spinal disks will be on the market, but the surgery for their implant and care will remain expensive. In the future, surgeons will use robotic instruments and wireless search engine technology as readily as they use any other tool. These enhancements will enable them to feel and visualize the area of surgery more fully while performing delicate, life-or-death procedures. FUTURE FASHION Researchers in smart fabrics and intelligent textiles are working with the fashion industry to bring us color-changing jeans and evening wear that emits different scents as the mood alters, and undergarments that monitor our vital signs. Fabrics made with clear polymers that break down slowly under normal wear will dissolve quickly when dropped into hot water. Once out of fashion, your clothes could be liquefied rather than thrown into overflowing landfills. Store a few extra bucks in a cashless wallet embedded in your wristwatch. Buy a can of soda or a subway ticket with a simple wave of your hand. RESOURCES Rising prices for natural resources could lead to a full-scale rush to develop the Arctic. The Arctics supplies of nickel, copper, zinc, coal, freshwater, forests and fish are highly coveted by the global economy. Global water shortages and drought conditions are spreading in both the developed and undeveloped worlds. In response, the dry state of California is building 13 desalination plants that could provide 10-20% of the states water in the next two decades. SOCIETY AND VALUES The spread of surveillance technology and the rise of web sites like YouTube, which receives more than 65,000 video uploads a day, are driving a trend toward cyber-exhibitionism. People have become very willing to disclose things about themselves. Only 10% of higher education is now conducted online. E-training accounts for 30% of corporate training, however, this will likely exceed 50% soon. OUR NEW BUSINESS PARTNER Global Synergy Group, led by former City Manager, Richard Fursman is bringing the practice of organization development into City Hall though leadership development, strategic planning, crisis intervention and succession planning. The companys primary focus is to help organizations work better through the blending of behavioral sciences with strategic foresight. Richard reveals the processes that help and hinder individual and organization performance followed by uniquely designed interventions to help implement needed changes. Recent Clients City of Maple Plain, MN Strategic Planning City of Luverne, MN Strategic Planning St. Paul Fire Department Strategic Planning Barron County, WI Strategic Planning and Citizen Engagement City of Eveleth Strategic Planning St. Anthony Village Strategic Planning Dakota County Director of Financial Services City of Moorhead, MN City Manager Senior Community Services Chief Operating Officer City of St. Paul, MN City Administrator As Vice President of The Brimeyer Group, Richard is collaborating on the following executive search assignments: Long Lake, MN Fire Chief St. Paul Park, MN City Administrator Senior Community Services Chief Operating Officer |
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