2020 Vision

Generations align every 80 years to form a trinity of elders, middle-aged and young adults prepared to fulfill their roles in an epic fight for survival.  The American Revolution, Civil War and WWII were examples of this alignment.  Envision 2020, when Baby Boomers will all be over 60, GenX will be in middle age and Millennials will all be young adults.

Boomers will hold the moral high ground.  GenXers will manage and supervise, when and where action is needed.  Millennials will have the youthful energy and teamwork to be the foot soldiers in an epic battle to save civilization.  But from what?

Pope Francis detailed in his Encyclical on Climate Change (LAUDATO SI’) the moral principles for Boomers to follow that justify global mobilization of money, production and people.  GenXers in business and government are mobilizing resources by leading organizations to align themselves with the new reality based on the consequences of climate change.  Also, GenXers will lead Millennials when the time comes to implement drastic actions needed to save civilization from the global consequences of climate change.

Like 1935 prior to WWII, the world will navigate a path from 2020-2028, the very existence of which everyone in 2015 denies.  As late as 1943, American politicians were not denying the truth of the concentration camps but were so shocked by the reports that they were unbelievable.  In the same way, the truth of the consequences of climate change are now undeniable however that does not make them any more believable.

The fairy tale ending comes after 2028 when a new golden era emerges.  But until then, what do we do?  Reduce CO2 emissions by converting to renewable energy, driving electric cars and using public transportation.  We need to change our lifestyles by not being as concerned with fashion and material things. We need to change our eating habits by eating less beef.  We need to find as many ways as possible to reduce green house gas emissions.

We will need to find ways to feed millions of refugees and migrants.  Agriculture will change dramatically due to droughts, food insecurity and reducing emissions.  We will also need to find ways to sequester carbon to reduce the CO2 already in the atmosphere.  All of these things mean that how we plant, maintain and harvest using large or small land holdings will change.