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2027 timeline contents

2027 - The BRICs overtake the G7 nations | Tokyo and Nagoya are connected by high-speed maglev | Carbon sequestration is underway in many nations | Peak coal is reached in China

 

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2027

The BRICs overtake the G7

By this date, the major emerging markets - Brazil, Russia, India and China, a.k.a. the BRICs - have overtaken the combined GDP of the G7 nations.*

 

Credit: Felipe Menegaz

 

 

Tokyo and Nagoya are connected by high-speed maglev

Two of Japan's largest cities - Tokyo and Nagoya - are now connected by the Chūō Shinkansen - a high speed maglev route. This 178 mile (286 km) line runs beneath the Japanese Alps (Akaishi Mountains), at speeds of up to 313 mph (505 km/h), enabling journey times of just 40 minutes. Built by the Central Japan Railway Company, at a cost of 9 trillion yen ($115bn), the route will be extended to Osaka by 2045.**

 

 

 

Carbon sequestration is underway in many nations

Following years of research and development, a number of geoengineering techniques are now being utilised for trapping and removing CO2. This is offering fresh hope for mitigating the effects of climate change.

The most significant technology is "clean coal", being fitted to power plants. This is seeing widespread adoption, since it now costs less than unsequestered coal-based power generation.* The carbon dioxide is stored in geological formations deep underground (including some empty oil wells). Great care and precision must be taken in choosing these sites, however, as dumping the gas in an unstable location may cause it to leak back up to the surface or contaminate aquifers used for drinking supplies.

Another method of carbon sequestration which is showing great potential is the deployment of "artificial trees". These are shaped like giant fly swatters around 10m high, and are becoming an increasingly common sight along roads, freeways and other polluted areas.* The trees capture CO2 through a filter - thousands of times more efficiently than real trees - which is then removed and stored.

 

Credit: Institution of Mechanical Engineers

 

Another geoengineering project involves strips of algae, fitted to the sides of buildings, which naturally absorb CO2 through photosynthesis. They are most common in high-density urban centres, where tall buildings offer a much greater surface area. These "photobioreactors" (as they are called) not only sequest carbon, but can also produce biofuel and biochar as beneficial side effects. The biofuel can be used to generate energy whilst keeping net carbon emissions to zero, while the biochar can be used as a very good fertiliser.*

Yet another project is the addition of highly reflective panels on rooftops. These reflect sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of solar radiation being absorbed by the Earth.

Although efficient, the geoengineering techniques described above (and various others) do not represent the ultimate solution to global warming. The only effective, long-term process for stabilising the climate is the adoption of solar, wind, hydro, nuclear and other renewable energy sources.

Thankfully, most developed countries now have legally-binding commitments in place for reducing CO2 emissions and have begun large-scale practical measures. Britain, for example, has cut its carbon dioxide pollution by 50% compared to 1990 levels, thanks to legislation enacted in 2011.*

 

 

 

Peak coal is reached in China

China's phenomenal economic growth during the last few decades has been due, in part, to its massive energy and mineral resources. Coal in particular has played a major role, accounting for nearly half of global production.* It is during 2027 that China's coal production finally peaks, declining rapidly thereafter.*