My name is Rossana and I live in 2050, humanity has finally solved one of the most serious problems that afflicted us: pollution. Every morning, I wake up with the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, not the noise of traffic. The streets are clean, the air is fresh and breathing is a pleasure, not a painful necessity. As I prepare for the day, I look out the window and see the Tiber flowing clear and crystal clear. Its once murky and polluted waters are now home to a variety of fish and aquatic plants. This change has been possible thanks to innovations such as biodegradable algae that absorb and decompose plastic, cleaning up our rivers and oceans. I walk through the streets of Rome, now pedestrian and green, with trees and vertical gardens that adorn the historic buildings. Electric cars and solar-powered public transport move quietly, without harmful emissions. The sidewalks are dotted with solar panels that power the city, and each building is equipped with rainwater collection systems and hanging gardens. I work in a research center dedicated to the development of new sustainable technologies and I am grateful to be part of this generation that has worked hard to create a better world, a world where pollution is just a distant memory.

In 2040, I would like the world to be a more sustainable and inclusive place, where environmental impact is minimized and people live in harmony with nature. I imagine green cities, with energy-efficient buildings, efficient public transport powered by renewable sources, and lush green spaces where people can meet and socialize. Private cars would be a thing of the past, replaced by bicycles, electric scooters and state-of-the-art public transport systems.

I would like Europe to have united against Russia and the United States. I'd like Europe to be at peace, and Ukraine to have regained its territory and its people. I hope that education will be a priority for future generations. I'd also like to see family ties regain priority in the face of screens and video games. And finally, I'd like everyone to make an effort in the face of global warming, which is threatening the planet. Let's also imagine that the social tensions that persist in France will subside. Here's what I imagine for Europe, France and the world in 2040. I want my children to find a world that functions in peace and tries to solve problems rather than inactivity!