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The disclaimer reads:
Our report is not meant to be an exercise in prediction or crystal ball-gazing. Mindful that there are many possible “futures,” we offer a range of possibilities and potential discontinuities, as a way of opening our minds to developments we might otherwise miss.
But the not-so-subliminal message is:
Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources—particularly energy, food, and water—raising the specter of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply.
Yes, SPECTERS! So be afraid, be very afraid. Do not engage in substantive analytical or critical thought. Fixate on those frightened factory workers at GM. Stay afraid. Stay uncertain. Stay plagued by doubt. Whatever you do: DO NOT CHANGE in any palpable, qualitative way. Never mind that once we globally harness solar, there need NEVER BE AN ENERGY SHORTAGE EVER AGAIN. Never mind that aforementioned “unprecedented growth” means high-efficiency farming grows to encircle the globe, providing an abundance of food for all. Never mind that astronauts have solved the worst imaginable water shortage problem for decades, and we can surely apply similar methods on a global scale, given the mandate. That said, if POTABLE WATER is the ONE sticking point, then that reduces our sticking points down to ONE from the alleged three, and we can bring all our resources to bear upon solving it.
The only thing more hazardous than ignoring the plight of the polar bears is heeding these persistently bipolar forecasts. Who is writing this FUD and still getting paid at such a high level, anyway? See page 6, Acknowledgments, to find out and please, somebody, invite these people to the next Convergence Conference, or something for FSM’s sake.