Imagined Future Scenarios
Climate Science, Probable Futures, Medium Term (3 - 5 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Could Humans Hibernate?' - Aeon.co
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Increased social stratification based on access to hibernation technology.
Technological Impact: Rapid advancements in cryosleep technology, alongside unsustainable resource consumption.
Ecological Impact: Continued environmental degradation despite hibernation efforts.
Economic Impact: Booming cryosleep industry exacerbates inequalities and resource depletion.
Political Impact: Global governance struggles to manage the ethical and logistical challenges of mass hibernation.
Narrative: Humanity uses hibernation as a temporary reprieve, delaying but not solving climate crisis.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Societal breakdown and widespread anarchy as climate disasters overwhelm hibernation capacity.
Technological Impact: Cryosleep technology becomes unreliable due to resource scarcity and infrastructure failure.
Ecological Impact: Severe environmental damage renders many areas uninhabitable, even after hibernation.
Economic Impact: Total economic collapse with no capacity to support hibernation programs.
Political Impact: Governments collapse, leaving fragmented communities to fend for themselves.
Narrative: Climate change triggers societal collapse despite hibernation attempts, leading to societal fragmentation and widespread death.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Strict social control and resource allocation determined by a climate-focused global authority.
Technological Impact: Controlled advancements in cryosleep technology, prioritizing population management.
Ecological Impact: Measured environmental recovery alongside strict population management for climate stability.
Economic Impact: Centralized, sustainable economy managed to support planned hibernation and recovery.
Political Impact: Global authoritarian regime governs all aspects of life to ensure efficient climate management and long-term survival.
Narrative: A globally unified government uses hibernation strategically to manage climate change and engineer a sustainable future.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Emergence of new social structures emphasizing community, resilience, and ecological harmony.
Technological Impact: Technological progress prioritizes sustainability, climate remediation, and minimal resource use.
Ecological Impact: Gradual healing of the planet as societies adopt more sustainable practices.
Economic Impact: New economic models based on cooperation, sharing, and resource stewardship.
Political Impact: Decentralized governance systems promote adaptability and localized solutions.
Narrative: Humanity transcends dependence on technology, using hibernation sparingly, focusing on societal and ecological regeneration.
