The only plausible scenario is a decline of our society, constrained by overpopulation, declining resource availability, and widespread environmental damage. The start of the decline may come earlier or later; collapse may be faster or slower, but the shape of the future is determined.
People always make the choice that involves the least costs in the short term. The problem is all there: as long as we always choose the easiest road, we have no control on where we are going.
Imagine you are lost in a forest. Would you think that always choosing the easiest path in front of you could take you home? But this is what we are doing: even though we should know that this is not the way to go where we would like to be. We are unwilling. Choices based on short term consideration will cause us terrible long term damage.
Why are we unable to do better? "Short-termism" is deeply ingrained in people's minds. An enlightened politician may decide to introduce a carbon tax. Soon, voters discover that the carbon tax is making gasoline and electricity more expensive. As a consequence, that politician won't be re-elected. It is simple and it happens all the time.
Human nature is difficult to overcome. Randers has seen the enemy and the enemy is us.
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