MOST-IMPORTANT TRENDS SHAPING THE FUTURE

BETHESDA, MD — What energy and technology innovations and societal trends can be expected in the next decades? What can employers and employees expect from changes in the workplace? What do the experts have to say about the outlook for the economy? A special report from the World Future Society explores these and other twenty-first-century developments

For their report "53 Trends Now Shaping the Future," Marvin J. Cetron, president of Forecasting International Ltd., and science writer Owen Davies compiled trend information across a variety of sectors concerning many forces changing the world. Knowledge of these trends and their ramifications will be essential for anyone preparing for what lies ahead.

Cetron and Davies have thoroughly revised their report, covering near-term (2005-2010) as well as medium-range futures (up to 2050). Three new categories have been added since the report’s last publication in 2003: mass migration and its impacts, the rise of militant Islam, and the evaporation of privacy. "Increased surveillance has become socially acceptable in an age when many people fear terrorism and crime," they say.

Some highlights from "53 Trends Now Shaping the Future":

Developed countries will continue to experience steady growth for the next five years, and immigration from less-developed countries will continue to increase.

Both cooperation and self-reliance will become leading social values worldwide, but privacy will be a value of the past.

Gender-blindness and racial equality will become the norm, but political extremism will continue to grow.

Continuing urbanization will increase environmental and social problems across the globe, including water shortages.

The Internet will soon have nearly a billion and a half users, but English will no longer be its primary language.

This 32-page illustrated report, including economic, societal, environmental, technological, and workplace trends, is available for $8 from the World Future Society.

"53 Trends Now Shaping the Future" can be obtained by calling toll-free 800/989-8274; by e-mail info@wfs.org; or by writing to the World Future Society, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 450, Bethesda, MD 20814. Discounts are available for Society members and for multiple orders.

The World Future Society is the largest and oldest organization in the world devoted to studying the future. Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, the Society publishes the bimonthly FUTURIST magazine and other futurist publications.