Publisher's Synopsis
The fifteen years from 2020 to 2035 could be the most turbulent of human history. Revolutions are gathering pace in four overlapping fields of technology: nanotech, biotech, infotech, and cognotech, or NBIC for short. In combination, these NBIC revolutions offer enormous new possibilities: enormous opportunities and enormous risks.Rapid technological change tends to provoke a turbulent social reaction. Old certainties fade. New winners arrive on the scene, flaunting their power, and upturning previous networks of relationships. Within the general public, a sense of alienation and disruption mingles with a sense of profound possibility. Due to the increased scale, speed, and global nature of the ongoing NBIC revolutions, the disruptions that followed in the wake of previous industrial revolutions - seismic though they were - are likely to be dwarfed in comparison to what lies ahead.Amidst these turbulent waves, RAFT 2035 offers a Roadmap to Abundance, Flourishing, and Transcendence. RAFT issues a bold call to action, to encourage more people around the world to recognise the true scale of the opportunities ahead, to set aside distractions, and to build effective coalitions in pursuit of a set of 15 goals to be achieved by 2035.Written by the Chair of London Futurists, David Wood, RAFT shows that futurism isn't just about describing futures that are likely or possible. It's also about highlighting futures that are highly desirable, and seeking to change the arc of human history in the light of that insight.The 15 goals of RAFT range from significantly improved mental wellbeing, a radical new social contract, transformations in education and politics, a sustainable relationship with the environment, reductions in the threat of violence and crime both locally and internationally, and a renewed focus on humanity's journey into new realms of both inner and outer space. For each goal, two interim targets for 2025 are identified, as important steps towards the radically better future that is within our grasp."It's often said that technology is poised to make humans stronger and more intelligent. But RAFT emphasises the possibility of a change that is much more important - the potential for technology to make us kinder and more empathetic. It's a message that deserves to be widely heard."- David Pearce, Philosopher, and advocate of Paradise Engineering"In RAFT, David Wood challenges all of us to reconsider how technology can best serve ethics, safety, and values that uplift the human spirit. A future that champions the very best aspects of what it means to be human is within our grasp, if we can humanise technology, and harmonize the interests of advanced civilization with nature."- Nell Watson, Chair of EthicsNet.org and IEEE's Certification for Ethics in Transparency"The need for a different set of politics is more pressing than ever. RAFT is a framework for the transition we need to make which is beyond the faultlines of traditional political positions."- Hannes Sjöblad, Co-founder DSruptive Sweden, and Chief Disruptive Officer of Epicenter Stockholm"I've often enjoyed listening to David Wood set out his hopes and fears for the future. In RAFT 2035 he applies his formidable insight to the very important question of securing a truly great future, for the United Kingdom and beyond, by 2035."- Matt O'Neill, Futurist Keynote Speaker, Futurist.Matt"RAFT 2035 maps out the possibilities and the trade-offs our exponential world is going to need. Continuing as before with tiny incremental steps is no longer an option: we need a RAFT of big ideas to make a step-change. Let's pick up these ideas and get on board for a brave new 2035."Paul Imre, VP of Education, Data Science Speakers Club, Toastmasters International
