Report by Johan Ehrenberg in Dagens ETC 2014-12-11
Free energy can change society
Johan Ehrenberg describes how technological and energy breakthroughs open up new opportunities. Clean and cheap energy makes transportation easier and information more accessible. When people can produce and share energy locally, dependence on large companies and financial systems decreases. Attempts to lock people into national or economic constraints then become more difficult.
A new technological revolution is emerging
Digital communication, robotics and 3D printers are transforming production. Goods can soon be manufactured close to the user instead of far away. At the same time, knowledge and design are spreading globally. Ownership of things may become less important when more people can share or print what they need. Medical research and new materials technology are also developing rapidly, making more personalized solutions possible.
The energy revolution is driving development
Ehrenberg highlights how energy use is being reduced through more efficient technology. Screens, lamps and household appliances use much less electricity than before. Solar energy and other renewable solutions are spreading rapidly. He believes that the world could have access to abundant clean energy in the foreseeable future. This could enable sustainable transportation, better water purification and more climate-smart food production.
Social change through joint investments
The text emphasizes that public investment can create jobs, housing and equitable development. Ehrenberg believes that states have historic opportunities to use their economic capacity to build a better society. According to him, discussions about national debt often get too much space. More important is how resources are used and which social problems are solved.
Freedom grows from technological progress
As energy and production become cheaper and more accessible, people can collaborate more directly with each other. The social revolution can then grow out of abundance rather than scarcity. Ehrenberg sees an opportunity to create greater freedom between individuals, cities and countries. To get there requires political courage and visions of a red-green social development.
Positive news as a driving force
Finally, Ehrenberg emphasizes the importance of hope. Future majorities are shaped by showing that change is possible. Technical and social innovations can together create a richer and freer society without nature having to pay the price.
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