BOOK: EXTREME FUTURE

by Parisiscott on Feb.23, 2010, under Eco hotel, Eco hotel consulting, Eco hotel management, Eco hotels, Environmentally Friendly Hotels, Green hotel, Green hotel consulting, Green hotel management

As we look towards better days in 2010 I am reminded of a presentation, I attend at the ALIS conference few years back, by a noted futurist, discussing the business, economic and social trends that we could expect to see in the next 10, 20 even 50 years.

It was an eye-opener, very thought provoking and certainly relevant to a room full of room full of hoteliers. I recently thought about that when I came across the book the EXTREME FUTURE by James Canton. In it, you will be glad to know that the author predicts a move toward green sustainability, as well as great business opportunities for those involved in eco-friendly products and services. We are EcoGreenHotel hope he is right!
The book itself is a visual trip forward, taking the reader to tomorrowland, but also explaining in detail the trends that will shape our world in the 21st century. This has been a life’s work for Mr. Canton, who heads up the Institute for Global Futures, a San Francisco think tank that forecasts trends for government and corporate clients. He was once a student of Alvin Toffler, who wrote Future Shock way back in 1970 and was a pioneer in the field of FUTURISM.

Forecasting is a key business component for all companies, and to many of us it is a vital part of our jobs. From his book, here are the top 10 trends that James Canton sees for the future:

The Top 10 Trends of The Extreme Future:

1. Fueling the Future – The energy crisis, the post-oil future, and the future of energy alternatives like hydrogen. The critical role that energy will play in every aspect of our lives in the 21st century.

2. The Innovation Economy – The transformation of the global economy based on the convergence of free trade, technology and democracy, driving new jobs, new markets, globalization, competition, peace and security. The Four Power Tools of the Innovation Economy are Nano-Bio-IT-Neuro.

3. The Next Workforce – How the workforce of the U.S. is becoming more multicultural, more female and more Hispanic. Why the future workforce must embrace innovation to become globally competitive.

4. Longevity Medicine – The key forces that will radically alter medicine such as nanotech, neurotech, and genomics, leading to longer and healthier lives.

5. Weird Science – How science will transform every aspect of our lives, culture and economy—from teleportation to nanobiology to multiple universes.

6. Securing the Future – The top threats to our freedom and our lives, from hackers to terrorists to mind control. Defining the risk landscape of the 21st century.

7. The Future of Globalization – The new realities of global trade and competition; the rise of China and India; the clash of cultures and ideologies; and the cultural-economic battle for the future.

8. The Future of Climate Change – How the environment is changing and how we need to prepare for increased global warming, pollution, and threats to biodiversity.

9. The Future of the Individual – The risks and challenges from institutions, governments, and ideologies in the struggle for human rights and the freedom of the individual in the 21st century.

And, while no one can truly predict the future, having access to knowledge and trending information is critical to anyone who has a stake in where we are all headed.
EXTREME FUTURE also recognizes that the convergence of many of these single trends also have implications and impacts on each other. Fascinating reading, both from a business and personal perspective, the book is now available in paperback. Let us know what you think, and if you have a book that you highly recommend let us know that as well and we will pass the word.

Back