I am in 2040. I see vehicles on the road driving autonomously. Traffic is no longer noisy because all vehicles are electric. The living is quiet, the air is clean. Around me are modern-looking buildings, a robot delivery driver passes me, a robot waiter invites me into a café. We humans have made life as easy as possible for ourselves. Around me are modern, tall buildings, the product of new ways of building with huge 3D printers. I head home, typing in my grocery order on the way. 5 minutes later, I hear a drone buzzing with a bag, which it deposits on the windowsill. I put on my VR goggles, and "go" to work.

Public spaces mean communication, interaction and coexistence. That is socialization, expression. They must be accessible, appropriable and accessible without exclusion. This was the case in the time of our grandparents, whereas now cement, development and exploitation make public space non-public. Locked parks, uprooting trees, control and suppression in the name of safety/health crisis/profit, architecturally inhospitable squares. Sterilization and alienation. I imagine a future where neighborhoods are vibrant, collective action flourishes, free access by all people to parks and plazas, and residents have the right to manage their neighborhoods. In short, public space should become public again.

By 2040, we will have succeeded in making society completely fossil-free. The countries of the world finally realised what had to be done and took responsibility. In Sweden, investments in fossil-free steel and cement have also led to changes in the way we build and develop cities and communities. Biodiversity has been strengthened, both in cities and in rural areas. Forests are cared for and used in a sustainable way. We continue to drive, but without emissions and with reduced impact on nature and people. But it is not completely free of problems. Car accidents, congestion, road wear and more continue to be a burden. Health issues do only slowly get better. Joint action by the countries around the Baltic Sea is finally having an impact and we look to the future with some confidence.”

In 2040, I am very old and have been retired for 15 years, but I am not idle. I am involved in my immediate surroundings as a volunteer assistant teacher at elementary school. My aim is to get children away from their cell phones, get them involved and awaken their curiosity about the world. This world has become more peaceful and greener. Wind turbines, solar energy and hydropower provide us with most of our energy, and industry has invested in technology that reduces its energy consumption. Our diet has changed. Meat - yes, but people want to know exactly where it comes from and have realized that it costs money. Pulses, vegetables and cereals also taste good and are healthier. There is reason for hope again - this was not the case in 2025.