ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 seeks to identify plausible futures by extending several trends into the future. We open the chapter by discussing the challenges in doing so. We then identify several important trends. In each case we discuss how these may continue, and how they will interact with other trends. We then discuss how to accentuate the positive characteristics of each trend and minimize the negative impacts. The chapter closes by identifying plausible futures. The simple fact is that the future may be far bleaker than the present if we take no steps to minimize negative trends. Yet we also have the opportunity to shape better futures.
