Italy birth rate is actually a hopeful sign from the environmental perspective. Humanity cannot continue the uncontrolled growth and unsustainable consumption of resources.
I predict that in 2040 there are going to be "space enviromentalists" that will try to prevent humans from exploring space in the name of keeping it as is.
Solving fusion power would be a watershed moment for humans and that's where the focus needs to be. The other one is Cancer that needs to be eradicated.
The problem of "unlimited energy generator" of the sun is that on the ground it is intermitted based on day/night and clouds, meaning we would have to create a surplus of energy during the day and store it for later use. We have been working on batteries, but there has been promise at using air or water "batteries" as well via compressed air or Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH).
I would highly recommend reading both Bill Gates's How to Avoid a Climate Disaster and Vaclav Smil's How the World Really Works, both of which have really shown what needs to happen to solve both our climate and energy problems going forward.
I want human race to flourish and tackle problems, not regress back to the caves.
It is mind blowing to me that the first diesel engine installed on a ship was 1903 and where we are 122 years later already touching space. I can hardly wait to see what the next 50+ years bring. It will be hard and I am sure we will have some growing pains, but going back is never an option.
I do not see how this could be the case.
A dramatic example, but I imagine a solid state battery (and the following generations) will be harder to design if half of the research team has to care for their senile mothers.
> if you believe humanity can successfully navigate a demographic inversion the likes of which it has never seen before, while managing the changing climate.
I agree with the comment above mine, I do not believe we can manage this. With less population, specialization, and attention available among the polluting countries, I see those countries (such as Italy) reverting to things that are easier to manage.
Likely more stuff we can just grab out of the ground and burn.
If you disagree, then post a reply saying why you disagree. Down voting is meant for posts that detract from the conversation, not because you disagree with something and can't be arsed posting a reply.
This isn't Reddit FFS.
But another reason why it 's good: more capital in fewer hands