Earth 2100

Film evenings begin with potluck refreshments & social hour at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion after the film.

EARTH 2100
by Michael Bicks

Experts have a stark warning: that unless we change course, the perfect storm of population growth, dwindling resources, and climate change has the potential to converge in the next century with catastrophic results.

No Crisis Exists On Its Own

Earth 2100 paints a picture of the global crisis’ tight interconnectedness, how no one crisis can exist on its own and be dealt with in a pin-point manner. What this film shows is that:

An oil crisis becomes a food crisis;
They both connect to increase climate change and global warming;
Which increases drought and affects a water crisis;
Bringing about famine and thus, mass immigration of people seeking food and water;
As well as deforestation and mass animal and plant extinction;
Rising sea levels and thus, floods;
Which then bring about outbreaks of infectious diseases;
And this all becomes intensified by the rapidly increasing human population;
Increasing worldwide consumption demand and natural disasters.

At the end of the film, a water scientist tells us that: “By 2100 we’re going to have joint management of water resources, of energy resources, of disaster management. We’re going to be living on a planet where we don’t see things at a national level, but we see things at a global level.”

In order to plan for the worst, we must anticipate it. In that spirit, guided by some of the world’s experts, we will journey through the next century and explore what might be our worst-case scenario. But no one can predict the future, so how do we address the possibilities that lie ahead? Our solution is Lucy, a fictional character devised by the producers at ABC to guide us through the twists and turns of what the next 100 years could look like. It is through her eyes and experiences that we can truly imagine the experts’ worst-case scenario — and be inspired to make changes for the better.

By 2015, there are expected to be hopeful signs. Experts predict alternative energy solutions that are currently in their infancy will gain momentum. Windmills may sprout up everywhere. Off the coast of Scotland, a sprawling wave farm will harvest renewable energy from the ocean. Vatican City will meet all of its energy needs with solar power. And the U.S. will produce cleaner, more fuel efficient vehicles in accordance with newly unveiled emissions guidelines.

But will it be enough? In 2015, global demand for fossil fuels could be massive and growing, but experts say oil will be harder to find and far more expensive to consume. If the cost of gasoline skyrockets, few may be able to afford to maintain the lifestyles to which we’ve grown accustomed. There may be a mass exodus from the suburbs, as driving gas-fueled cars becomes nearly impossible economically. But will that convince us to change our ways?

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

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