TOOLBOX

Challenges to Explore

Explore a set of pressing global challenges—ranging from AI misalignment to environmental collapse to geopolitical instability. These are designed as starting points for building scenarios that matter. Each challenge includes a short summary and example solution formats that you can build into your world.

Challenges to Explore

Solution Approaches

Worldbuilding Tools

Core Concepts & Vocabulary

Modeling & Forecasting

Foresight Projects & Experts

Taking Action

Governance models

Course Worksheet

Geopolitical & Social Challenges

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

Stable Totalitarianism

Long-term authoritarian regimes suppress freedom, creativity, and dissent.

Policy reform, international diplomacy, civic education

Great Power Conflict

Conflict between major powers threatens global stability.

Conflict resolution mechanisms, arms control, trust-building

Nuclear War

Nuclear escalation or miscalculation with existential consequences.

Disarmament, early warning systems, crisis management

Political Polarization

Polarized societies struggle to reach consensus or govern effectively.

Electoral reform, media literacy, civic engagement

Migration & Displacement

Conflict and climate-driven migration challenge infrastructure and policy.

Humane immigration frameworks, refugee support, global coordination

Economic Inequality

Wealth gaps drive instability and erode trust in institutions.

Progressive taxation, education access, social safety nets

Environmental & Ecological Challenges

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

Climate Change

Long-term disruption to weather, ecosystems, and human settlements.

Emissions cuts, climate adaptation, renewable energy

Biodiversity Loss

Ecosystem degradation threatens stability and resilience.

Conservation, sustainable agriculture, protected areas

Pollution (Water & Air)

Environmental toxins harm health and ecosystems.

Regulation, waste reduction, public awareness

Resource Scarcity

Food, water, and energy pressures intensify with population growth.

Circular economy, resource efficiency, sustainable planning

Sustainable Urban Development

Rapid urbanization strains systems and equity

Green infrastructure, smart cities, public transit investment

Technological & Scientific Challenges

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

AI Risks

Advanced AI systems may be misaligned, opaque, or uncontainable.

Ethical AI design, scalable oversight, public literacy

Artificial Sentience

Conscious AI raises deep ethical, legal, and metaphysical questions.

Ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, interdisciplinary debate

Cybersecurity & Privacy

Society relies on vulnerable digital infrastructure.

Cybersecurity standards, digital literacy, incident response planning

Biotechnology & Genomics

Bioengineering poses dual-use and governance risks.

Biosecurity, ethics review, public engagement

Molecular Manufacturing

Nanotech could destabilize economies or environments.

Safety protocols, environmental assessment, transparent R&D

Robotics & Automation

Automation reshapes labor and control of physical systems.

Workforce transition, ethical standards, security hardening

Energy Transitions

From fossil fuels to sustainable energy—technically and geopolitically fraught.

Renewable investment, energy policy, grid innovation

Space Technologies

Debris, exploitation, and lack of governance in outer space.

Space treaties, sustainable practices, international cooperation

Economic & Educational Challenges

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

Digital Divide

Unequal access to the internet and digital tools.

Broadband infrastructure, device access programs, digital skills training

Education & Skills Gap

Mismatch between skills taught and future needs.

Curriculum reform, vocational training, lifelong learning systems

Health & Well-being Challenges

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

Catastrophic Pandemics

Fast-moving diseases disrupt global systems and health.

Early detection, healthcare investment, vaccine R&D

Global Health

Chronic diseases and access disparities persist worldwide.

Universal healthcare, public health investment, education

Suffering Risks

Risk of mass psychological or social pain, especially in neglected scenarios.

Mental health services, social support networks, prevention programs

Aging Populations

Demographic shifts impact economics, care systems, and social dynamics.

Geriatric care, healthy aging programs, supportive social policy

Governance, Ethics & Long-term Futures

Challenge

Summary

Example Solution Formats

Civilizational Resilience

How well societies adapt and recover from shocks.

Emergency planning, infrastructure resilience, decentralization

Value Drift

Slow erosion of foundational goals, norms, or commitments.

Cultural continuity programs, long-term planning institutions

Space Governance

Who owns and regulates space resources and infrastructure.

International treaties, transparency norms, stewardship principles

Ethics in Technology

Ensuring new technologies align with human values.

Ethical review boards, participatory design, education campaigns

TOOLBOX

Challenges to Explore