MIT's alarming prediction: Society could collapse by 2040
A team of scientists from MIT has used a computer to predict when society might collapse. The results are disturbing.
The prospect of the end of the world has long been the subject of speculation, with discussions ongoing for decades, but there is no definitive evidence for the timing. However, a team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) used technology to forecast the potential collapse of societies. Using an advanced computer system, the scientists analysed data patterns encompassing population dynamics, natural resource utilisation, and energy consumption.
As early as 1972, a team from MIT employed computer modelling, analysing various data patterns concerning population, natural resources, and energy consumption. The study results were published in the Club of Rome report, which pointed to the "limits to growth" as a reason for societal collapse.
According to this research, the collapse of society would occur in the middle of the 21st century. This means we have less than two decades until that point, as the scientists predicted that the collapse would happen in 2040.
A new perspective on the future
Gaya Herrington, a Dutch researcher, reanalysed the studies conducted in the 1970s that warned of societal collapse. The consistency between previous predictions and the actual state of affairs was confirmed. Herrington noted the foresight of earlier predictions. These studies suggested that economic expansion might peak by the end of the current decade, and a probable collapse could occur a decade later.
The key finding of my study is that we still have a choice to align with a scenario that does not end in collapse. With innovation in business, along with new developments by governments and civil society, continuing to update the model provides another perspective on the challenges and opportunities we have to create a more sustainable world — as quoted by the portal ladibable.com.
Despite the sobering forecast, Herrington maintains an optimistic outlook, emphasising the potential for course correction. By fostering business innovation, enacting progressive policies, and stimulating social initiatives, she believes that there are still many opportunities to pull civilisation back from the brink it is approaching.
