We each have an opportunity to be a part of shaping a better world for ourselves and for others–but we need to recognize what’s currently shaping our world and driving us towards certain futures.
Futures literacy is a tool to help us. It is a strategic way of thinking, where instead of waiting for issues to overwhelm us and then reacting to them with short term fixes, people pay attention to signals and analyze trends to predict issues before they get unmanageable.
This method of foresight thinking is a special lens we can use to recognize rising challenges and envision the possible future scenarios they hint towards. This practice also helps us to better break down complex issues into manageable problems. Then, we can imagine and design sensible, long lasting solutions that we can work towards today.
There are many ways to identify signals and trends:
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In this video, graduate students at Columbia University identify uncertainties to think about when designing better futures. After the video, take a moment to think about what you might have added to their conversation.
Let’s explore how we might get better at identifying what’s happening in the world, and how to spot clues as to what the future might be like. What do you notice today that hints towards a coming change?
In this activity, you will practice using futures thinking. You will identify signals and trends, and develop your own scenarios for the future.
Think about your world. Consider current events, social norms–how people think and behave, social institutions, or industries that currently shape our lives.