I wake up and the first thing I hear is the gentle hum of my smart home, which has already adjusted to my day. The climate control has set the perfect temperature, my coffee is freshly brewed and my smart mirror shows me the news - without any sensationalist headlines or manipulated algorithms. Europe has changed. After decades of crises, people have returned to what really matters: Progress through technology, but without losing people. Energy is generated 100% sustainably thanks to huge solar farms in southern Europe and efficient fusion reactors. Artificial intelligence has revolutionized the job market, but instead of mass unemployment, there is an unconditional basic income - everyone can continue their education, research or be creative without fear of losing their livelihood. Cities are green, clean and virtually car-free. Public transportation is free, electric and so efficient that no one needs their own car anymore. The biggest change? Politics has become more transparent. Important decisions are made through citizen participation, direct democracy is a reality. After years of division, people have learned that they are stronger together. I take a deep breath, sip my coffee and enjoy the view of a world that is guided not by fear but by hope.

That people and countries can live in reasonable peace with each other. That climate development has become more normal with less consumption in all areas. That democratic laws and rules are dominant in most countries. That autocracies and dictators are overruled by their populations. That greater diversity in animals, plants and humans has returned. That we travel less, are more content in our immediate surroundings, help each other and get along. That more cancers can be cured or avoided. Orderliness in everyone, probably a little too naive.

The world of work has changed due to the poor economic situation and artificial intelligence in the 2020s. Millions of workers lost their jobs as companies made workers redundant on the right and left. Since this vast group of people was now unemployed and society could no longer afford to support everyone, an alternative means of exchange to money was invented. Because working life had changed, people had to come up with something to replace traditional work. Instead of constantly improving their efficiency, they were able to focus on good things and soft values.

In 2040 we are much more in solidarity with each other, the great fortunes have redistributed a large part of their profits for research and the fight against inequalities. Thanks to ambitious programmes, we are about to put an end to global warming.