FUTURES

A system capable of performing any intellectual task that a human can. Multiple AI labs are racing toward this milestone. Some researchers predict 2027, others say decades away.

A quantum computer capable of breaking RSA-2048 encryption would compromise most internet security. NIST has already begun standardising post-quantum cryptography in response.

China's Social Credit System is expanding. Real-time facial recognition, predictive policing, and AI-driven surveillance are already deployed in 75+ countries.

On April 13, 2029, 99942 Apophis will pass Earth at 31,600 km — closer than geostationary satellites. An observatory mission is planned. Post-2029 impact probability is near zero.

Commonwealth Fusion, TAE Technologies, and others are racing to deliver net-energy-positive fusion at commercial scale. ITER aims for 2035 fusion plasma milestone.

NASA Artemis and China's ILRS both target permanent crewed presence on the Moon by the mid-2030s. The second space race will likely produce infrastructure before a single "base."

Senolytics, mTOR inhibitors, and epigenetic reprogramming are all in clinical trials. The first drug proven to extend human healthspan beyond diet and exercise could arrive before 2040.

McKinsey estimates generative AI could add $4.4T/year to the global economy. By 2035, the majority of white-collar task value may be AI-assisted or AI-generated.

Pilots in Finland, Kenya, and US cities have produced positive results. The first G20-nation UBI could emerge as a response to AI-driven job displacement.

SpaceX has stated ambitions for 2029. NASA targets the 2040s. A crewed Mars landing would be the largest leap in human exploration since Apollo 11.

Current NDCs are insufficient to stay under 2°C. The IPCC places 2°C crossing at 2040–2060 under current trajectories. This triggers irreversible feedback loops including permafrost methane.

If AI automates 40%+ of knowledge work tasks without commensurate job creation, governments will face unprecedented demand for UBI or equivalent redistribution mechanisms.

Even with successful commercial fusion in the 2030s, scaling to grid-level contribution takes decades. 10% share by 2045 is ambitious but within physical possibility.

The point where science extends a person's life expectancy faster than time passes. Aubrey de Grey predicts this for those currently alive. Mainstream science is more sceptical.

At 2°C warming, 99% of coral reefs are projected to experience annual bleaching. Reefs support 25% of marine biodiversity. Their loss cascades through ocean food webs.

Sub-micron machines that can repair tissue, deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, and monitor bloodstream biomarkers in real time. Current DNA origami and nanoparticle drug delivery are early steps.

P(doom) estimates from AI safety researchers range from 5–50%. Most centre around loss of human control rather than "evil AI." The debate is live at every major AI lab.