Dubai 2050Dubai drops away behind us, its comic-book skyline replaced by khaki sand dunes and t
Dubai 2050Dubai drops away behind us, its comic-book skyline replaced by khaki sand dunes and the occasional wild camel. Unlike some countries, Dubai believes the planet is warming—and is determined to use science and technology not only to adapt to a new era of extremes, but also to make that adaptation the basis of its economy.“My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.” - Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al MaktoumThe prophesied second generation of Land Rover drivers are the 20-somethings sitting beside Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future. Al Gergawi’s challenge is to bend fate, to keep the camels in the desert, and to put his grandchildren back into Mercedes—or perhaps flying cars.For the next generation, Dubai’s advantages are more fraught, tied as they are to impending climate catastrophe. Many cities are about to face new extremes of temperature and drought. Dubai already does. Many cities will struggle to find fresh water and clean power. Dubai already does.Cities are machines, the largest things we build. Viewed in this light, Dubai is a place where the future has arrived early.The Future-Proofing Engine -- source link
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