2040 VISION OF THE FUTURE
Wurundjeri Country, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
BY BEN K
Firstly, I will acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land upon which I write this piece…the Bunwurrong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Eastern Kulin Nation and I pay respect to their Elders past and present.
A world where we pay the true ecological cost of all goods and services. A world where our natural capital is not considered an externality but is valued for what it really is – the source of all of our resources and the very thing which allows us to survive and thrive as a species.
A world where we have stopped competing for power and influence and where we have evolved to be more connected with each other and the planet. We must realise that we can continue to progress and create abundance for everyone if we manage our common resources responsibly and allow our natural systems to regenerate.
A world where there is plenty of sharing and caring!
Envisioned through The Futurenow Project, 2020
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Image generated with Leonardo AI, 2026
PROMPT: A view of the Yarra River through Morton Bay Figs, River red gums and yellow box, a deep blue dawn sky overlooking a regenerated Melbourne, 2040. A couple of low rise buildings are integrated within the landscape. The scene feels abundant, ecologically coherent, and quietly joyful. Cinematic photorealism, golden hour light through eucalyptus canopy, high dynamic range, ultra-realistic, 8K detail.