Third Millennium Capitalism: Convergence of Economic, Energy, and Environmental Forces

With the year A.D. 2000 approaching, there has been much speculation as to the global outlook for capitalism and socioeconomic advancement. Will the Third Millenium usher in an era of great human progress? To what extent will future generations enjoy increased longevity, better health, higher living standards, and improved economic security? Or will the new era bring about chaos, socioeconomic decline, or environmental disaster? What business opportunities and responsibilities will the private sector encounter during this era of expected accelerating change?

Futurist John Naisbitt, in his book Megatrends 2000, predicts massive changes in many aspects of the economy, political life, and society. Most of his predictions are quite positive, indicating that things will get better for much of mankind. He says it will be "a golden age in human history." He adds that much of this progress will not be dependent upon technological advances, "but because of an expanding concept of what it means to be human."

Other analysts, such as Amory Lovins, Paul Erlich, and the authors of the Limits to Growth, take a more somber and pessimistic view of the world's economy and environment. The Club of Rome authors of Limits to Growth predict dire environmental consequences in the next few decades unless population growth and natural resource exploitation are drastically reduced. Some of these predictions have been largely discred

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