2.2 Global Futurism and Megatrends

The changing climate will become an ever more powerful driver as forests and farming is impacted by continued rainfall decline, storm events become more extreme, bushfires pose greater threats and habitat is threatened. National Tidal Centre data showed that the South West had the greatest sea level rises in Australia (+7.4mm/pa, 1990-2010) which will inevitably impact coastal infrastructure.

Regardless of what people believe is the cause, the planet is getting hotter – every year for 44 years now. Bushfires have seen issues become increasingly political and there will likely be conflict between those seeking restoration of ecosystems and those seeking technological solutions.

Innovation in food, water for food and consumer attitudes will drive change as the impact of population and climate change affects lives. This will likely form a part of the deglobalisation attitude and shift to localisation – farmers’ markets, seasonal foods and so on.

The direct impact of climate change on Africa will have global implications for ‘climate refugees’ and the movement of people. Refugees in advanced nations will see jobs market tighten which would prompt decreasing tolerance towards immigrants particularly as some will lack the skills to find employment.