Outlook 2009

Each year, the World Future Society gathers thought-provoking forecasts, trends, and ideas that are drawn from articles that origi­nally appeared in The Futurist during the past year.

These forecasts afford glimpses of what may arise, and proposals for dealing with the events. The opinions presented below are those of the authors or sources cited, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Future Society.

At the conclusion of selected predictions, the editors of the CAM Report have spotlighted careers that will benefit as a result of these trends.

Business and Economics

• Tourism's future is bright. Worldwide tourism is expected to double by 2020. China will be the most popular tourist destina­tion, as well as send the most tourists abroad. Potential Growth Careers: Airline Industry Workers, Hospitality Workers, Tour Guides

-Marvin J. Cetron and Owen Davies, "Trends Shaping Tomorrow's World-Part One,"

• Retirees in the United States will increasingly return to the workforce.Approximately one in five people-and 40 percent of seniors-plan to continue working until they die. Many retirees are reentering the workforce and starting their own businesses.

-Marvin J. Cetron and Owen Davies, "Trends Shaping Tomorrow's World-Part Two,"

• Book publishers may need to hire movie directors. Books are going multimedia and digital. Potential Growth Careers: Software Writers, Web Designers

-Patrick Tucker, "The 21st-century Writer,"

• \/ Consumers will gain CEO-like powers in the business world.Companies will rely more on consumers to review and pro­mote products.

-Arnold Brown, "The Consumer Is the Medium,"

• China will most likely become the worlds largest economy within the next three decades.Some experts believe that India's economy will eventually grow to surpass that of China's. "Overall, workers in Asiaare becoming more skilled and educated."

-Andy Hines, "Consumer Trends in Three Different Worlds,"

• Socioeconomic disparities will become more pronounced in aging societies.This will create tensions in many societies, as many people who near retirement age lack the financial savings to live comfortably. Potential Growth Careers: Geriatric Advocates, Retirement Planners

-Richard A. Settersten Jr., "Navigating the New Adulthood,"

Upcoming Meetings

• WIB Executive / Planning Evaluation Committee Meeting: Wednesday May 20th 8:00am WIB Office
• Youth Council Meeting: Thursday May 21st 12:00pm WIB Office
• Board of Directors Meeting: Tuesday May 26th 8:00am WIB Office