Looking Ahead to the Next 50 and 500 Years

Over the last five centuries, the power and reach of humanity have expanded in ways once unimaginable. In the year 1500, the global population was around 500 million. Today, it exceeds 7 billion. Back then, the total value of goods and services produced by humanity was roughly 250 billion dollars in today’s terms. Now, the world generates nearly 60 trillion dollars annually.

Energy consumption tells a similar story. In 1500, humans used about 13 trillion calories per day. Today, we consume close to 1,500 trillion calories daily. That’s a 14-fold increase in population, a 240-fold increase in production, and a 115-fold increase in energy use.

Civilization is transforming at a staggering pace. If we fail to respond wisely, the consequences could be severe. No one can predict exactly what the world will look like in 50 or 500 years, but one thing is certain—it will be dramatically different.

That’s why our generation must take responsibility. We must prepare with care and foresight to ensure that future generations inherit a world of safety, peace, and happiness. Passing down chaos or disaster is not an option.