LIFE IN THE FUTURE
What life will be like in the future is difficult to predict.It
is,however,possible to use models to make forecasts about future
developments.One way to catch a glimpse of the future is to
examine some of the major trends in contemporary society.
TRANSPORTATION
Current trends indicate that transportation is becoming
cleaner,faster and safer.Public transportation is already well
developed in most urban areas of China.New technology is being
used to make sure that the cars taxis,buses and trains we use do
not pollute the air.A good example of how transportation is
changing is the new maglev train,which is environmentally
friendly,energy-saving and travels at an amazing 430 km/h.To
ensure safety,the train is controlled by an advanced computer
system.Scientists are also developing new fuels and engines that
will let us travel without worrying about whether we are
polluting the environment.
BUSINESS
It will not be business as usual in the future.Many companies
and consumers have already begun reforming the way they do
business.E-commerce,or business done on the Internet is becoming
more and more popular aspeople discover the advantages of online
shopping.The Internet also makes it easier for companies to keep
in touch with customers and companies in other countries.For
people who do go out to shops,shopping is no longer just a
necessity.It has become a form of entertainment.Instead of
searching a crowded store for basic goods ,such as food and
clothes,people want to go to a pleasant mall and combine shopping
with fun. The malls of the future will be like small cities
where you can shop,eat,see a film and even dance.To pay for their
purchases,people will use smart cards ,which contain a tiny
chip,instead of cash.
HEALTH AND MEDICINE
People in the future will be able to enjoy a longer and
healthier life and remain active even in old age.People now are
paying more attention to the importance of a healthy diet and an
active life.They are careful about what they eat and exercise
regularly.Advances in medical science also allow us to deal with
new diseases,such as SARS. Some diseases,for example
smallpox,have already been successfully defeated.With a better
understanding of the human body,scientists and physicians will be
able to cure more diseases.Perhaps more importantly,nes
discoveries in genetics and biochemistry may lead to changes in
the way diseases are cured and medicines are made.
EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE
Homework will always be homework,but the schools of the future
will probably be quite different from what they are today. We can
study at home by watching educators on TV or on a computer
screen.In the future,there may be more "schools on the air"and "e-
schools".Real classrooms will always be popular,but distance
education will help people studfy whenever the have time and
wherever they may be.The way we view learning and knowledge is
also changing.Instead of being students only when we are young,we
will become lifelong learners.
It is certain that things will change.We cannot be sure whether
our dreams will come true,but we can at least be hopeful that our
eforts to improve the world will be successful.If we learn to
accept change and appreciate what is new and different,we will be
well-prepared for whatever the future may have in store. |