What will the world look like in 2050? This report explores four plausible future scenarios based on the intersection between our planet’s health and societal conditions.

The four divergent futures – Humans Inc., Extinction Express, Greentocracy and Post Anthropocene – range from the collapse of our society and natural systems, to the two living in sustainable harmony.

The report, is a collaboration between Arup’s Foresight, Research and Innovation and Sustainable Development teams. The report seeks to inform decisions on the design and planning of the built environment, and show how progress towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals can drive change for our planet and outlook for humanity.

December 2019