MIT researchers forecast global economic collapse by 2030

In summary, the MIT researchers predict global economic collapse by 2030 if people continue to consume resources at the current rate.
  • #1
19,412
9,962
MIT researchers forecast "global economic collapse" by 2030

A new study from researchers at Jay W. Forrester's institute at MIT says that the world could suffer from "global economic collapse" and "precipitous population decline" if people continue to consume the world's resources at the current pace.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sidesho...rchers-predict-global-economic-190352944.htmlAnything we don't already know? Can anyone find the actual study?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


The only study I can find is the one from 1972.
 
  • #3
Greg Bernhardt said:
http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sidesho...rchers-predict-global-economic-190352944.html

Anything we don't already know? Can anyone find the actual study?
A lot of folks are citing the Yahoo article. :rolleyes:

There is no press release or report on the MIT Sloan site. I'll wait to read the report. It would help to know the authors or the title. :rolleyes:
http://mitsloan.mit.edu/newsroom/press-releases.php

I did find:
Twelve million copies of the recently published report were distributed in thirty-seven different languages around the world. While there are those, such as former governor of the Federal Research Board and Yale economist Henry Wallich, who strongly disagree with the findings of detailed in both the Limits to Growth as well as the more recent MIT study conveying similar findings. Wallich believed that the regulation of economic growth would be equivalent to “consigning billions to permanent poverty.”
http://www.inquisitr.com/215867/glo...searchers-predict-next-great-depression-2030/

Beside the Limits of Growth report in 1972, there was apparently an update in 2002, and it appears the MIT study may be a 40 year update.

http://www.clubofrome.at/archive/limits.html [Broken]
Synopsis of Limits to Growth - The 30 Year Update
http://www.clubofrome.at/archive/pdf/limits.pdf [Broken]
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4


Yeah, that's the same stuff I found, nothing recent. Odd.
 
  • #5


They edited the yahoo article and added:

Correction: This post has been edited to reflect that MIT has not updated its research from the original 1972 study.
 
  • #6


Useful nucleus said:
They edited the yahoo article and added:

Correction: This post has been edited to reflect that MIT has not updated its research from the original 1972 study.
BUWAHAHA! What idiot made that mistake?
 
  • #7


If the graph in the Smithsonian link are what Turner put together and bases his conclusion that the 1972 study is on track, it looks to me like he couldn't be much wronger on most:

Non-renewable resources: Original prediction shows a steeply accelerating drop and the actual curve barely deviates from linear.

Food per capita: Prediction was that it is leveling off and instead it is increasing sharply and roughly linearly.

Services per capita: Not sure what that one means, but it is actually fairly close to the prediction -- but the curve isn't smooth.

Population: Close to the prediction.

Industrial output: Not smooth, but slightly below prediction.

Pollution output: Curves overlap at the start of the prediction, but toward the end the prediction increases sharply while the actual output does not. Looks like the prediction is exponential pollution growth while the actual is a linear to slight flattening of growth.

See, the problem with comparing exponential curves and linear ones over short timeframes is they can appear to overlap for a while when in actuality the deviation is constantly increasing.
 
  • #8


Useful nucleus said:
They edited the yahoo article and added:

Correction: This post has been edited to reflect that MIT has not updated its research from the original 1972 study.
Well - they changed the story. :rolleyes:

They also removed the reference to the Forrester Institute.
 
  • #9


I wonder if that Yahoo "reporter" is in hiding now?
 
  • #10


Wow, I'm going to do the right thing here and lock my own thread lol :D
 

What evidence supports the forecast of a global economic collapse by 2030?

MIT researchers have conducted extensive studies and simulations using various economic models to predict the future state of the global economy. They have also analyzed historical data and current economic trends to support their forecast.

What factors contribute to the predicted economic collapse?

The researchers have identified several key factors that could lead to a global economic collapse, including increasing income inequality, rising national debt, and the potential for a major financial crisis or natural disaster.

How will the global economic collapse impact individuals and countries?

The collapse of the global economy could have severe consequences for individuals and countries, including high unemployment rates, inflation, and poverty. It could also lead to political instability and international conflicts.

What can be done to prevent or mitigate the effects of the economic collapse?

The MIT researchers suggest implementing policies that address the root causes of the predicted collapse, such as reducing income inequality and implementing sustainable economic practices. They also recommend developing contingency plans and investing in disaster preparedness.

Are there any potential solutions to the economic collapse?

While the forecast of a global economic collapse is concerning, the researchers also offer potential solutions. These include implementing policies that promote economic stability and sustainability, investing in education and job training programs, and promoting international cooperation and trade.

Similar threads

  • General Discussion
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • General Discussion
Replies
29
Views
9K
  • Art, Music, History, and Linguistics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
8
Views
7K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Earth Sciences
Replies
3
Views
3K
Back
Top