This is the second iteration of the Cascading Indicators for the PASQAL Quantum Challenge. Keep in mind that we are building a theoretical framework for a QUBO quantum calculation. While all of this is speculative, it allows for the construction of the quantum framework.
- Global Pandemics: Ongoing (e.g., COVID-19), increasingly disruptive by 2025 due to urbanization and habitat destruction.
- Famine: Noticeable and widespread in regions by 2030, as food insecurity rises from soil degradation and water scarcity.
- Earthquakes: Already disruptive in certain regions, but increased human-induced seismicity becomes globally alarming by 2040.
- Fires and Heatwaves: Increasingly severe and frequent, globally disruptive by 2030 as temperatures and wildfires escalate.
- Environmental Collapse: Noticeable in ecosystems globally by 2040, driven by pollution and biodiversity loss.
- Ocean Acidification: Disrupting marine ecosystems significantly by 2040, with coral reef collapses noticeable by 2035.
- Collapse of Marine Life: Globally significant and disruptive to fisheries and food supplies by 2050.
- Freshwater Contamination: Recognizable in critical regions like South Asia and Africa by 2030, escalating globally by 2040.
- Plastic Pollution: Noticeable in marine and terrestrial ecosystems now, but globally critical by 2040.
- Deforestation and Land Devastation: Recognizable and disruptive by 2030, with increasing loss of biodiversity hotspots.
- Resource Depletion: Noticeable by 2030 (e.g., peak oil), critical shortages expected globally by 2050.
- Soil Degradation and Desertification: Recognizable and disruptive to food supplies by 2035.
- Overpopulation Leading to Chaos: Noticeable societal strains globally by 2030, worsening through 2050.
- Economic Collapse: Driven by cascading factors, noticeable by 2040, with key regional collapses by 2035.
- Biodiversity Collapse (Sixth Mass Extinction): Disruption noticeable in key ecosystems by 2040, accelerating after 2050.
- Water Scarcity: Recognizable and disruptive in critical regions (e.g., Middle East) by 2030, globally by 2040.
- Hailstorms and Extreme Weather: Disruptive and noticeable globally by 2035, with increasing frequency and severity.
- Permafrost Thawing: Noticeable methane release and global warming feedback loops by 2035, disruptive by 2050.
- Collapse of Ocean Currents: Recognizable disruptions by 2050, with severe consequences noticeable by 2070.
- Kessler Syndrome: Potentially noticeable by 2050 as space debris accumulation reaches critical levels.
- Race for AI Dominance: Noticeable societal and geopolitical tensions by 2030, disruptive by 2040.
- Catastrophic Human and Environmental Impact: Noticeable globally as cascading effects intensify by 2040.
- Wars and Conflicts: Resource-driven conflicts noticeable and disruptive by 2035, increasing by 2050.
- Large-Scale Volcanic Eruption: Not predictable, but with potential disruption anytime within this century.
- Human-AI Integration Disparity (Iron-Clay Paradox): Noticeable societal impacts by 2035, escalating by 2050.
- Earth’s Wobble (Polar Motion): Noticeable impacts to navigation and technology by 2029, disruptive by 2050.
- Wind Cessation (Atmospheric Stagnation): Noticeable regional stagnation events by 2050, globally critical by 2070.
- Sea Level Rise: Noticeable flooding and displacement by 2035, disruptive globally by 2050.
- Climate-Induced Global Migration: Noticeable in critical regions by 2030, escalating globally by 2050.
- Intensification of Hurricanes and Extreme Storms: Noticeable increases in strength and frequency by 2030, globally disruptive by 2040.
