From the Director’s Desk for May 3, 2024
I recently watched a documentary series on PBS called “A Brief History of the Future” that made me think about what our communities or the world might look like 70 years from now. Futurists contemplate these things as a matter of course.
I remember being very young and thinking about what the year 2000 would look like because it seemed so far away at the time. As a child of the “Jetsons” era, I thought we would all be in hovercrafts zooming around town! I really loved that series. It was so imaginative. While the Jetsons may have been a bit too technologically progressive, the changes that have taken place over the last seven decades have nonetheless changed our world and lives in previously unimagined ways.
So, what might our communities look like many decades from now and how might we plan for the challenges of tomorrow, today?
We can start by looking at today’s emerging trends. They just might be a key to the future:
Technological Integration
Rural areas might see increased technology integration, such as advanced agricultural machinery, renewable energy sources, and high-speed internet connectivity.
Population Shifts
There could be a continued trend of urbanization, but with more remote work opportunities, some people may choose to move to rural areas for a slower pace of life and lower cost of living.
Sustainable Practices
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, rural communities may adopt more environmentally friendly practices in agriculture, forestry, and resource management.
Diversification of Economy
Rural areas might diversify their economies beyond traditional industries like agriculture and mining, focusing on eco-tourism, renewable energy, and small-scale manufacturing.
Community Resilience
There may be a greater emphasis on community resilience, with rural areas investing in infrastructure, emergency services, and community programs to withstand natural disasters and economic fluctuations.
Cultural Preservation
Overall, the future of rural communities will likely be shaped by a combination of technological innovation, societal values, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Looking Ahead
While predicting the exact future is not possible, consideration of some of the trends mentioned may be useful in planning. Investing in rural infrastructure, education, and sustainable economic growth and development will be crucial. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship tailored to rural settings can also help our communities thrive and best of all, survive.
I understand that thinking 30 or 50 years down the road, let alone 70 years might seem like a waste of intellectual bandwidth because you’re not going to be here; however, your children, grandchildren, and beyond just might be. Wouldn’t planning something extraordinary and sustainable for them today be time well spent? If there are points to be earned in the afterlife, that just might earn you a few!
