It’s 2036, and looking back at the last ten years, it’s astounding how much the world has changed. Mostly for the better, but not always.

Almost unnoticed by younger generations is the subtle but significant switch from centralized power plants burning coal and oil to distributed electrical energy systems built on solar, geothermal, and modular nuclear generators. Supported by natural gas of course, which is still abundantly available. The new energy revolution has lowered costs and raised the standard of living for everyone, everywhere.

And who even drives a gas guzzler anymore. Electric cars are just so more efficient, affordable, and convenient. In cities anyway. With hundreds of millions of robotaxis available on demand, most of us have given up the idea of owning a car. If we do take a vehicle for a spin, it’s for the pleasure of driving, like riding a horse. And you don’t have to own your own horse, just to ride one.

With electric air taxis, regional jets, and hypersonic airliners, global mobility has shot through the roof, and most of it runs on electricity, or hydrogen derived fuel (HDF). Even cruise ships are nuclear powered now, just like the navy.

But the most dramatic way the world has changed is the robot revolution. The general availability of intelligent robots has transformed how we live and work. They do all the chores, and dangerous, boring, repetitive work, giving us true agency, and the power to decide for ourselves how we want to live, and make a living. Be that in the service of others, or just living our own best life.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing. Any social and economic upheaval comes with downsides and pitfalls, like excessive greed and marginalized communities. But intelligent tech has changed the world, and we can never go back.

Thank the stars!