Imagined Future Scenarios
Knowledge Preservation, Possible Futures, Long Term (5 - 10 years)
Scenario Generated from 'Leaving a permanent record of humanity on the moon – in 100 billion pixels' - Al Jazeera English
Future Arc and Implications
Grow Arc
Social Impact: Reintroduction leads to increased tourism and recreational activities centered around revived species.
Technological Impact: Genetic engineering and cloning technologies rapidly advance, fueling a bio-engineering boom.
Ecological Impact: Rampant revival and introduction of species overwhelms ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss among extant species.
Economic Impact: A 'de-extinction' industry booms, driven by wealthy investors and tourism, potentially widening the wealth gap.
Political Impact: Deregulation and lobbying prioritize economic growth over ecological concerns, allowing uncontrolled de-extinction efforts.
Narrative: Humanity, drunk on success, recklessly resurrects species for profit and prestige, ignoring ecological consequences.
Collapse Arc
Social Impact: Widespread ecological disasters caused by resurrected species lead to social unrest and blame.
Technological Impact: De-extinction technologies are abandoned or used for destructive purposes as the world crumbles.
Ecological Impact: Invasive resurrected species exacerbate existing environmental problems, accelerating ecosystem collapse.
Economic Impact: The collapse of ecosystems and infrastructure leads to widespread economic hardship and resource scarcity.
Political Impact: State failures and resource wars erupt as governments struggle to manage the consequences of ecological catastrophe.
Narrative: The resurrection of extinct species triggers a cascading ecological collapse, bringing humanity to the brink of extinction.
Discipline Arc
Social Impact: Strict social controls are implemented to manage resurrected species and prevent ecological disasters.
Technological Impact: Advanced monitoring and containment technologies are deployed to control and manage resurrected species.
Ecological Impact: De-extinction is highly regulated and concentrated in controlled biomes to minimize ecological disruption.
Economic Impact: A heavily regulated 'de-extinction' economy prioritizes ecological stability and species management.
Political Impact: A global authority enforces strict regulations on de-extinction and biodiversity management.
Narrative: A centralized global power meticulously manages resurrecting of extinct species, prioritizing ecosystem stability over unfettered progress.
Transform Arc
Social Impact: Humanity undergoes a profound shift in values, embracing a more sustainable and interconnected relationship with nature and resurrected species.
Technological Impact: De-extinction technologies are used responsibly and ethically, focusing on restoring ecological balance.
Ecological Impact: Careful reintroduction leads to greater biodiversity and the restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Economic Impact: A circular economy focused on sustainability and ecological regeneration emerges, diminishing material consumption.
Political Impact: Collaborative governance models prioritize planetary health and the well-being of all species.
Narrative: Humans gain a newfound understanding of their role in the biosphere, responsibly using de-extinction to heal past damages and enhance life's tapestry.
