INFORMS Open Forum

Will the major portion of the Earth be inhabitable in the next century? Or there will be a mass migration of population to few places which are still saved from the gruesome impacts of Climate change? These were few questions I could not help thinking about after reading this classic; 

Hot: Living through the Next 50 years on the Earth by Mark Hertsgarrd


Though it is a bit outdated, but the facts and reality hasn't changed a lot. The good thing I liked about this book was few suggested actions we can take to combat climate change. In my opinion, it is a good informative read that will encourage us to take actions so as to leave a healthy planet for future generations. Those are my takeaways.
Happy to learn from others on this topic.

------------------------------
Jayant Singh
Analyst
Oak Park IL
------------------------------

The current set of problems look really hard. But maybe we'll get better at solving problems as we make analytics widespread. 

The abundance possibilities of the 50-year future aren't clearly laid out, I think. They get overshadowed by the dystopian and mixed futures that are more interesting to read and discuss. There should be a spectrum/menu so that people can engage, understand, debate, and innovate. I've tried my bit at making a short outline of an abundant future: https://medium.com/the-shadow/solving-for-sustainability-92f67ffe32aa.

------------------------------
Rahul Saxena
RevInsight.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-13-2025 12:55
From: Jayant Singh
Subject: How are the next 50 years on this planet going to be?

Will the major portion of the Earth be inhabitable in the next century? Or there will be a mass migration of population to few places which are still saved from the gruesome impacts of Climate change? These were few questions I could not help thinking about after reading this classic; 

Hot: Living through the Next 50 years on the Earth by Mark Hertsgarrd


Though it is a bit outdated, but the facts and reality hasn't changed a lot. The good thing I liked about this book was few suggested actions we can take to combat climate change. In my opinion, it is a good informative read that will encourage us to take actions so as to leave a healthy planet for future generations. Those are my takeaways.
Happy to learn from others on this topic.

------------------------------
Jayant Singh
Analyst
Oak Park IL
------------------------------

Thank you for sharing this, Jayant. I think the exact outcomes over the next 50 years will depend heavily on the actions we take today through mitigation, adaptation, and innovation.

There is still room for meaningful intervention through technology, policy, and global collaboration. Without timely efforts, however, certain regions may face difficult adjustments, including shifts in population patterns. I will definitely try to give this book a read.

Always appreciate seeing these important discussions and book suggestions.

Regards,

Satkar Karki

------------------------------
Satkar Karki
University of South Dakota
Vermillion SD
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 06-13-2025 12:55
From: Jayant Singh
Subject: How are the next 50 years on this planet going to be?

Will the major portion of the Earth be inhabitable in the next century? Or there will be a mass migration of population to few places which are still saved from the gruesome impacts of Climate change? These were few questions I could not help thinking about after reading this classic; 

Hot: Living through the Next 50 years on the Earth by Mark Hertsgarrd


Though it is a bit outdated, but the facts and reality hasn't changed a lot. The good thing I liked about this book was few suggested actions we can take to combat climate change. In my opinion, it is a good informative read that will encourage us to take actions so as to leave a healthy planet for future generations. Those are my takeaways.
Happy to learn from others on this topic.

------------------------------
Jayant Singh
Analyst
Oak Park IL
------------------------------