12 Shocking Things That Will Happen By 2050

Have you ever wondered what the world will look like in just a few decades? From breakthroughs in technology and medicine to dramatic changes in our environment, the year 2050 promises a world that's both thrilling and challenging. In this story, we’ll explore 12 shocking predictions for the future that will reshape the way we live, think, and interact with our planet. So buckle up, and let’s dive into the future that awaits us!

Hello! I'm Rahul Sanaodwala, the founder of StriWears. Welcome to My Stories, a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs get inspired by the journeys of successful founders and learn the secrets to building thriving businesses.

1. Artificial Brains

By 2045, neuroscientist Randall Cunha aims to create an artificial human brain.

The concept of artificial intelligence isn't new. For decades, people have been fascinated by the idea that machines could have thoughts or emotions. While some find it amazing, others are terrified, believing we're pushing technology too far. They worry these robots may bring an end to humanity.

However, Cunha isn’t concerned about a mechanical revolution. Why? Because he says humans can digitally upload their brains by merging with technology. Cunha claims humans will evolve into cybernetic organisms. Once our organic bodies die or grow old, our brains will live on through technology.

In other words, Cunha might be on the brink of unlocking immortality. Of course, we’re still a long way from that. By 2050, we'll have only taken the first big step—unraveling the mysteries of the human brain by recreating it in code.

2. Humans on Mars

In 2024, SpaceX plans to send its first transport ship to Mars. NASA, on the other hand, estimates its first mission won't launch until after 2030.

Elon Musk plans to send a cargo ship to Mars in 2022, followed by a manned mission two years later. Musk's ship, called the Interplanetary Transport System (ITS), is capable of carrying over 100 people out of Earth's orbit at one time.

But here's the tricky part: once you leave Earth's orbit, you have to wait for Mars to align with Earth—a phenomenon that occurs once every 26 months. For example, Mars was in position on July 31, 2018. The next window didn’t open until October 6, 2020.

During these waiting periods, passengers will live inside the ITS until the planets align. At that time, all ITS ships will travel to Mars and drop off their passengers. Each ITS will then relaunch from Mars, landing in the exact same position on Earth.

According to Musk, these missions will lay the foundation for the first city on Mars. If all goes as planned, over a million people will have settled on the red planet within the next 100 years.

3. Lab-Grown Organs

Nearly 20 people die every single day waiting for an organ transplant. Trauma and disease often require entire body parts to be replaced, but there aren’t enough healthy organs for everyone.

Thankfully, artificial organs aren't too far off. From hearts to kidneys, scientists are working to grow functioning organs that can keep people alive for decades.

Lab-grown organs rely on the use of stem cells, which are unspecialized cells that adapt to various roles within the body. To create organs, scientists combine stem cells with 3D printing technology. Using a special material called biolink, they guide the growth of these cells.

By 2050, scientists expect to print and grow synthetic organs that will save thousands of lives.

4. Reaching 10 Billion People

The UN predicts the world’s population will reach 10 billion by 2050.

In the year 2000, the global population was 6.1 billion. By 2015, it had increased to 7.5 billion—a growth of 1.4 billion in just 15 years. If this rate continues, we’ll easily surpass 10 billion by 2050.

India and China currently have the largest populations, but India is expected to take the top spot within the next decade. Meanwhile, Nigeria will likely surpass the U.S. as the third most populated country by 2050.

Africa, as a continent, will account for the majority of this growth, with many countries doubling in size.

5. Medical Chips

Within the next 10 years, medical chips will become a popular way to detect diseases.

If you get sick tomorrow, how would you know it’s time to visit a hospital? It can be hard to distinguish between a common cold and something more serious like pneumonia. Often, you wouldn’t know you had a dangerous or contagious disease without undergoing multiple tests.

Medical chips will solve this problem. These tiny computers will run biochemical tests inside our bodies. If they detect traces of disease, they’ll alert us immediately, ensuring faster treatments and fewer fatalities.

Additionally, medical chips will prevent contagious diseases from spreading, stopping epidemics before they start.

6. Renewable Energy

By 2050, most of the world’s energy will be renewable.

A study by the Department of Energy found that technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, and hydropower plants already supply a significant portion of the world’s electricity. By 2050, renewable energy sources will account for over 80% of global energy production.

This shift will reduce carbon emissions by 80% and decrease water usage by 50%. While we can’t undo all the damage humanity has done to the planet, cleaner energy will prevent it from getting worse.

7. Printed Buildings

Over the next few decades, construction practices will undergo a massive transformation.

In 2013, a Chinese company used a continuous 3D printer to construct 10 houses. By 2016, the same technology was used to print a fully functional office building. These structures were built using a special cement-based ink, costing only a few thousand dollars each while producing zero waste.

By 2050, this technology could advance to print hotels, stadiums, and even skyscrapers.

8. No North Pole

Global warming has significantly shrunk the Arctic over the years.

Since 1980, the Arctic has decreased by over 40% and continues to shrink by 30,000 square miles annually. By 2040, the North Pole will be completely ice-free during summer. By 2050, it may lack snow even in the coldest months.

This will lead to warmer oceans, unpredictable weather, and stronger storms worldwide.

9. Coastal Flooding

As polar ice melts, global sea levels are rising.

The IPCC predicts water levels will increase by up to 4 feet by 2050 and 7 feet by 2090. Even small rises in sea levels can have drastic consequences.

For instance, a 1-foot rise would push Honolulu’s coastline over 100 feet inland, flooding beaches, docks, and resorts. Major cities like Miami, San Diego, Boston, and New York City face similar risks.

10. Increased Life Expectancy

Advancements in medicine and technology are boosting life expectancy.

In 2016, the average American life expectancy was 79.2 years for men and 82.9 years for women. By 2050, those numbers are expected to increase significantly.

Experts predict women will live into their mid-90s, while men will reach an average age of 86.

11. High-Speed Railways

By 2030, the U.S. High-Speed Rail Association plans to create coast-to-coast rail systems traveling at 220 mph.

Bullet trains will alleviate the burden on airlines and provide a faster, more eco-friendly option for trips between 100–2,000 miles.

12. Space Hotels

In 2021, Orion Span announced the Aurora Space Station—the first-ever space hotel.

This station will allow guests to experience life as astronauts, floating 200 miles above Earth. The 12-day stay will cost $9.5 million per guest.

The future is closer than we think, and as we’ve seen, it’s filled with awe-inspiring possibilities and daunting challenges. From artificial brains and humans colonizing Mars to life-saving medical innovations and environmental transformations, the next few decades will push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. As we move toward 2050, one thing is clear—adaptation, innovation, and collective action will be essential to thrive in this ever-evolving world. Thank you for joining us on this journey into the future.

If you enjoyed this story, give it a hearts and share it with your friends so we can keep making more content like this.