Our planetary futures.
The future of humanity depends on our ability to design the future and cultivate a shared planetary vision—one that fosters future cooperation, synergy, and alignment among global, regional, and local actors. The choices we make today will determine which trajectory our civilisation follows in the age of artificial intelligence.
Our Planetary Futures
3 techno-human trajectories in the age of AI
Three human trajectories in the age of AI
3. Self Destruction
The acceleration of AI and technological progress has deepened global divisions—of wealth, resources, and ideals. Conflicts over territory, power, ideology, and survival escalate, leading humanity toward potential collapse and extinction. Societies fracture under climate disasters, pandemics, economic instability, and cyber warfare, creating fertile ground for extremism, organized crime, and social collapse. The accelerating pace of technological change leaves governance and ethics struggling to keep up, magnifying systemic vulnerabilities. Humanity faces a world where cooperation is rare, competition is ruthless, and survival is uncertain. Without intervention, these pressures can spiral toward civilizational collapse or even extinction, as AI, weapons, and human ambition combine in unforeseen, potentially catastrophic ways.
2. Human Stagnation
AI and technology have become instruments of control rather than liberation. The world fractures into regional coalitions locked in strategic competition. Climate disruption, economic inequality, malicious AI, health crises, and ongoing wars trap humanity in a cycle of maintenance and crisis management. This fragile equilibrium cannot last indefinitely—it will either degrade into Trajectory 3 (Self-Destruction) or evolve into Trajectory 1 (Megavisionary Potential).
1. Megavisionary Potential
Humanity has learned to use AI safely and ethically. Together, we co-create a form of collective superintelligence that accelerates sustainable progress beyond anything seen before. Climate, energy, food, equality, justice, resources, and health are all managed in balance with nature. Our mastery of technology and global cooperation enables us to expand into space—ensuring the extension of human life and consciousness beyond Earth.
Our Planetary Futures Framework
Real examples and historical precedents of each type of co-existing trajectories and realities.
FRAGMENTED GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
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•AI Weaponisation & Autonomous Warfare
•Cyberattacks & Global Cyber Warfare
•Failed States (Haiti, Somalia)
•Climate Disasters (Hurricanes, Wildfires, Floods)
•Religious and Ideological Conflicts
•Global Conflicts (WWI & WWII)
•Pandemics (COVID-19, Spanish Flu)
•Economic Shocks (2008 Financial Crisis)
•Financial Bailouts and Collapses
•Arms Races & Nuclear Tensions
•Genocide (Rwanda, Holocaust)
•Ethnic Cleansing
•Energy Crises (Oil Shocks)
•Cold War Rivalries
•Slavery & Human Trafficking
•Hyperinflation (Zimbabwe, Weimar Germany)
•Deflationary Crises (Japan 1990s)
•Organised Crime Networks
•International Terrorism
•Cataclysmic Events (Nuclear, Volcanic, Asteroids)
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AI for Short-Term Gain, not Global Good
Poverty & Extreme Inequality
Hunger & Malnutrition
Regional Conflicts & Proxy Wars
Political Gridlock & Corruption
Climate Change Disruptions (Gradual)
Health Crises (Chronic Diseases, Antibiotic Resistance)
Malicious AI and Technology Misuse
Stalled Economic Growth
Global Migration Crises
Education Gaps & Knowledge Divide
Resource Scarcity
Infrastructure Decay
Technological Adoption without Transformation
Urban Overcrowding
Regional Isolation & Protectionism
Slow Progress in Social Justice
Limited Space Exploration
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AI for Sustainability, Health, Science, and Education
Renewable Energy Revolution (Solar, Wind, Fusion)
Climate Restoration Technologies
Biotechnology & Gene Editing for Health
Cooperative Global Governance Models
Fusion of Human Creativity with Superintelligent Systems
Protection of Human Rights
Microfinance & Microlending Innovations
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Civil Rights Movements & Social Justice Advances
Regional cooperation (European Union)
Global Health Initiatives & Vaccine Access
Peaceful Diplomacy & Conflict Resolution
Advanced Space Exploration & Colonisation
Terraforming & Planetary Engineering Concepts
Biomimicry & Nature-Inspired Technology
Global Internet & Knowledge Access
Circular Economy & Zero-Waste Systems
COOPERATIVE GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
How to achieve our Megavisionary Potential for planetary cooperation
The Planetary Futures Framework explores two contrasting models for the evolution of global governance on Earth and beyond.
Planetary futures in the age of AI - Two Models
Model 1
AI for short-term gain. Fragmented Global Governance. Non-Cooperative Model. Unsustainable.
This model operates from a short-term, competitive mindset. Nations and blocs view progress as a zero-sum game: some win, some lose. This fragmented approach perpetuates instability and limits humanity’s capacity to address shared existential challenges.
No common future
Shortsightedness
Perception equals reality
Overcoming challenges
Exclusion of alternative options
Model 2
AI for human progress. Cooperative Global Governance. The Planetary Futures Model. Sustainable.
This model envisions humanity’s future as a shared destiny. It calls for a long-term, collaborative framework where nations, organisations, and individuals align their visions around planetary and human well-being. Through this cooperative system of governance, humanity can achieve enduring peace, sustainable social, economic and technological prosperity, and a thriving coexistence with the natural world.
