Anticipation, Sustainability, Futures and Human Extinction: Ensuring Humanity's Journey into The Distant Future

To ensure humanity's survival and flourishing into the distant future, this book examines the philosophical underpinnings, policy foundations, institutional innovations, and deep cultural changes needed. It argues that futures-oriented decision-making should be a permanent aspect of human society and that futures-oriented policymaking should take precedence over the day-to-day policymaking of current generations. It also discusses the fundamental bottom-up changes needed in our personal psychologies and culture to support these top-down recommendations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 17 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive work delves into the philosophical foundations, policy frameworks, institutional innovations, and profound cultural transformations required to ensure humanity's survival and flourishing into the distant future. Recognizing the imminent threats to the sustainability of our civilization, it extends our gaze beyond decades to encompass millennia. It is crucial to assess all existential risks collectively, rather than treating them separately, such as climate change and pandemics. By examining the potential events that pose the greatest risks and exploring why we should strive to thrive in the far future, this book presents a holistic perspective to argue for the permanent integration of futures-oriented decision-making into human society and the prioritization of futures-oriented policymaking over the day-to-day concerns of current generations during times of great peril. The book concludes with a thoughtful discourse on the fundamental shifts needed in our personal psychologies and cultural norms to support these top-down recommendations.

This book holds immense appeal to philosophers, policy analysts, political scientists, economists, psychologists, planners, and theologians. Its multidisciplinary approach offers valuable insights into the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as we navigate the uncertain waters of the future. By exploring the philosophical underpinnings, policy foundations, institutional innovations, and deep cultural changes necessary for our survival and prosperity, this work provides a roadmap for building a resilient and thriving human civilization.

The book emphasizes the importance of anticipating threats to our civilization and taking a long-term perspective. It recognizes that time spans beyond decades are crucial in understanding and addressing existential risks, such as climate change, technological advancements, and geopolitical tensions. By assessing these risks collectively, we can develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate their impacts and build a more resilient society.

Furthermore, the book challenges the notion that we should solely focus on short-term gains and immediate solutions. It encourages us to think beyond the present and envision a future where humanity thrives and flourishes. It explores the potential events that could shape our destiny and asks why we should even desire to thrive into the distant future. By examining the 'biggest picture possible,' the book argues that futures-oriented decision-making should be a permanent aspect of human society and that futures-oriented policymaking must take precedence over the day-to-day policymaking of current generations.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in shaping the future of humanity. It offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face as we navigate the uncertain waters of the 21st century. By embracing a futures-oriented mindset and implementing the recommendations outlined in this work, we can build a more resilient, sustainable, and prosperous human civilization for generations to come.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367767570