Simulating The Future Can Help Reduce Waste, Emissions And Inequalities
Author: Judith Magyar
The concept of innovating in the present to shape the future is not new. Companies that have been around for decades or even centuries continue to remain relevant despite climate change and geopolitical adversities thanks to their age-old innovative spirit and technology driven mindset. One example is Döhler, a company that stad out as a spice mill during the industrial revolution and has been a leading supplier of natural ingredients for the food and beverage industry ever since. It is now an exemplar in reducing carbon footprint to secure the future food chain. Another is Almarai, the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company operating a number of super farms across Saudi Arabia, a region facing extreme water scarcity. Success in endeavors such as these depends on strategic planning and the right technology. Above all, it requires making the right decisions based on a factual understanding of the long-term consequences. The best way to do that is through simulations that examine pros and cons and enable people to imitate real-world scenarios in a risk-free environment. Many visionary companies and governments are already implementing strategies and setting targets to make sure the world remains hospitable and inhabitable 50 years from now. But for the average person, it’s hard to imagine all the things that need to happen today to create a livable world for future generations. Dubai’s new Museum of the Future (MOTF) has created an immersive experience to help people not only envision the future but actually understand the consequences of decisions made today. Visitors are invited to explore SAP’s Orbital Space Station (OSS) Hope , a fictitious space station set in the year 2071 built to redirect solar energy to power the Earth.