Two very different views of what Rye might be like in fifty years time were debated recently by one of the town’s discussion groups. John Edward explores some of the predictions they came up with, but first explains more about his group.
Our Apocalypse Group is based on the idea of how states fail us. We set each other a heavy topic to read up on to get opposing views. We’ve covered quite a range topics recently: the AI conundrum, would there be war without borders, how to prepare for the next pandemic, conspiracy theorists, personal biases, food shortages, protest tipping points, and the impact of climate change on our community.
We explore society’s left and right points of view, and even anarchistic perspectives. We meet every couple of weeks or so.
One of our recent topics for discussion was our predictions for Rye society in 2075. These extreme polar opposite scenarios highlight the potential futures for Rye in fifty years time. Which aspects of these scenarios seem familiar to you or are the most likely to happen?
(Before we start, I have assumed that the sea level will continue to rise and climate change will have profound impacts on Rye, in both of the following scenarios).
Utopian scenario
Food: Rye is a global leader in food innovation. Vertical farms and hydroponic systems produce abundant, pesticide-free food. Lab-grown meat and algae-based products are staples, eliminating the need for traditional farming. Food waste is virtually non-existent due to advanced recycling and composting systems.
Infrastructure: The town features futuristic, self-sustaining buildings with green roofs and walls. Public transport is fully automated and emission-free, with hyperloop systems connecting Rye to major cities in minutes. Roads are replaced by green pathways and waterways.
Energy: Rye is entirely off-grid, powered by a combination of solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal energy. Every building generates its own power, and excess energy is stored in advanced battery systems or fed back into the grid.
Public Services: Public services are exemplary, with AI-driven healthcare providing personalized treatment plans. Education is immersive and interactive, with virtual reality classrooms and lifelong learning opportunities. Social services ensure no one is left behind.
Emergency Response: Emergency response is instantaneous, with AI and drones coordinating rescue operations. Predictive analytics prevent disasters before they occur, and the town is equipped with state-of-the-art shelters and resources.
Police: The police force is almost redundant due to the low crime rate. Community-led initiatives and advanced surveillance systems ensure safety and security. Restorative justice practices are the norm.
Law and Order: Laws are dynamic and adapt to societal changes. The legal system is transparent, with AI judges ensuring fair and unbiased rulings. Community involvement in governance is high, with regular referendums and direct democracy.
Taxes: Taxes are minimal due to the efficient use of resources and high economic productivity. The tax system is progressive, ensuring wealth distribution and social equity.
Schools: Schools are centres of innovation, with personalised learning paths for each student. Technology like AI tutors and VR experiences make learning engaging and effective. Education is free and accessible to all.
Jobs: The job market is diverse and thriving, with opportunities in green tech, AI, and creative industries. Universal basic income ensures financial security for all, allowing people to pursue their passions.
Fuel: Fossil fuels are obsolete. All transportation and industries run on renewable energy, with hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicles being the norm.
Brexit Impact: Rye thrives post-Brexit chaos, having established strong international trade networks. The town is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting talent from around the world.
Proximity to Dungeness: The former nuclear sites at Dungeness are transformed into a renewable energy research centre and wildlife sanctuary, contributing to Rye’s energy needs and biodiversity.
Pollution: Pollution is non-existent. Advanced filtration systems and green technologies ensure clean air and water. The town is a model for environmental sustainability.
Refugees: Rye is a sanctuary town, providing comprehensive support for refugees. Integration programs ensure they become active and valued members of the community.
Bigotry and Far Right: Bigotry and far-right ideologies are eradicated through education and community initiatives. The town is a beacon of inclusivity and diversity.
Political Unrest: Political stability is maintained through active civic engagement and transparent governance. The community is united and resilient, with a strong sense of shared purpose.
Sea Levels: Advanced coastal defences and innovative flood management systems protect Rye from rising sea levels. The town invests in climate resilience, ensuring safety and sustainability.
Climate Change: Rye leads in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts, with green technologies and sustainable practices reducing its carbon footprint. The town is a global example of climate resilience.
Dystopian scenario
Food: Food scarcity is severe, with residents relying on nutrient pills and synthetic food. Traditional agriculture is impossible due to environmental collapse, and food prices are exorbitant.
Infrastructure: Infrastructure is in ruins, with crumbling buildings and non-functional public transport. Roads are filled with potholes, and basic services are unreliable.
Energy: Energy crises are frequent, with blackouts lasting for days. The town relies on outdated and polluting fossil fuels, leading to severe environmental degradation.
Public Services: Public services are virtually non-existent. Healthcare is inaccessible, education is underfunded, and social services are overwhelmed. The community is left to fend for itself.
Emergency Response: Emergency response is chaotic and ineffective. Natural disasters wreak havoc, and the town lacks the resources to respond adequately. Many lives are lost due to preventable causes.
Police: The police force is corrupt and ineffective. Crime is rampant, and law enforcement is unable to maintain order. Vigilante justice becomes common.
Law and Order: The legal system is broken, with widespread corruption and injustice. Laws are arbitrary, and the community has no trust in the government.
Taxes: Taxes are exorbitant, yet public services remain underfunded. The tax system is regressive, exacerbating social inequality and poverty.
Schools: Schools are dilapidated and overcrowded. Education quality is abysmal, with outdated materials and unqualified teachers. Many children are unable to attend school.
Jobs: Unemployment is rampant, with few job opportunities available. The economy is in shambles, and many residents live in poverty.
Fuel: Fossil fuels are the only energy source, leading to severe pollution and health issues. Fuel shortages are common, and transportation is unreliable.
Brexit Impact: Rye suffers greatly post-Brexit, with economic isolation and trade barriers. The town struggles to survive in a hostile economic environment.
Proximity to Dungeness: The decommissioned nuclear site at Dungeness is a hazardous wasteland, with radioactive contamination affecting the surrounding area. The town faces ongoing health and environmental crises.
Pollution: Pollution levels are catastrophic, with toxic air and water making the town uninhabitable. Residents suffer from severe health issues due to environmental contamination.
Refugees: The town is overwhelmed by a large influx of refugees, leading to strained resources and social tensions. Refugees live in dire conditions, with little support.
Bigotry and Far Right: Far-right extremism and bigotry are rampant, leading to frequent violence and social unrest. The community is deeply divided and hostile.
Political Unrest: Political instability is the norm, with frequent protests and riots. The government is ineffective and corrupt, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and chaos.
Sea Levels: Rising sea levels cause frequent and severe flooding, displacing residents and damaging infrastructure. The town struggles to cope with the ongoing environmental crisis.
Climate Change: Climate change exacerbates environmental degradation, with extreme weather events becoming common. Rye faces severe droughts, storms, and heatwaves, making life increasingly difficult.
You can find out more about the discussion group at Grounded on Lion Street or by messaging @grounded7lion on Instagram.
Rye News welcomes all opinion pieces on issues that affect life in Rye and the surrounding villages. If you would like to add yours to our Opinions section email info@ryenews.org.uk.
Image Credits: John Edward .
Great to be thinking and discussing the unthinkable.
However, there’s one heading I would move from Utopian to Dystopian!
That is the rosy view of Artificial Intelligence solving many of our problems.
My experience is that AI steals content from all the creative sectors – music, writing, film, advertising, architecture, photography, etc. mixes individual creative offerings with thousands of others and sells on the resulting version through computer programs, with enormous profits to the relatively few companies selling the software.
If your employment is creative, you already know this, if not, you’re job is next!
Rye News suggested I’ve repeated myself. I hope AI didn’t decide this. It’s not true!
In 2075, “The town features futuristic, self-sustaining buildings…” At what point in the next 50 years does Grounded believe that its own, beautiful, property in Lion Street, built in 1475 and Grade II listed, should be demolished and replaced with something futuristic? 🙂
Picasso said something along the lines of “All art is theft”. This is the idea that creativity and artistic expression often borrow from existing works, cultures, and influences.
Another related figure is T.S. Eliot, who, in his essay “Philip Massinger,” states that “immature poets imitate; mature poets steal.” This emphasises the notion that all artists draw inspiration from what has come before them and reinterpret it in new and personal ways.
Any Intelligence, be it artificial or not could use or abuse machine learning. The individual revelation 4.0 is upon us. Revolution is always messy.
However, the concept of “art as theft” raises interesting discussion. Notably, AI is speeding up the frequency and ferocity of change. We’re all waking up to an exponential climate of change, in many aspects of our lives.