top of page

My struggle

Anonymous

March 19, 2025

My struggle

This image was generated with Dream Studio AI.

The world as it is now is better technologically, socially, medically and economically than it was a hundred years ago. But what we have imagined our contemporary world to be is far from what we are all currently experiencing. The future right now seems quite uncertain. In times where people witness on their mobile devices and in real time the destruction of nature, the pollution of our seas, skies and lands, the mass murders of children, women and animals all over the world, yet remain unperturbed, it's quite hard to imagine something can change.
Do we have to be completely and utterly shaken by all these events in order to wake up?
Do we have to be the ones filming atrocities to act? And how much more suffering do we have to witness to stop prioritising costs over lives, profits over well-being?
It can be so tiring and discouraging. Let's take a look at a few examples.

Every few years, there would be democratic protests in Eastern Europe. We fight against corruption, against malignant influence, against malpractices in various sectors and institutions. We fight for democratic values - rule of law, equality, education, safety for everyone and especially the vulnerable groups, liberty. And we always look to the EU, to Europe, to Western Europe. And we would politely ask Europe to hear us out, to listen, to show support. Only to be presented as corrupt, hostile and backward-thinking in the next annual summary. Because an MP would pick up on our movements just to further their own career or an agenda. In reality and unlike most people in the West, Eastern Europeans know and remember all too well the price of not upholding democratic order. We know it, we feel it, we remember it. We are no longer at the periphery of Europe, we are Europe. And it's disheartening when we see that when the much-needed help arrives, it tends to team up with the same corrupt interests we've been trying to deroot for decades. And one of the issues we notice here is inequality, Eastern Europeans are often seen as a cliche, as those that little to nothing depends on. But we are witnessing a shift in history right here, right now. Doing right by the East is a prospect for redemption. Having equal access to political, financial and economic opportunities will drive Europe forward and stabilise its positions.

A crucial point in covering safe environment for the current and future generations is environmental sustainability. There is a severe danger of extinction of plant and animal species and we must act now by initiating and maintaining practices that will help conserve nature, maintain biodiversity and diminish the consequences of industrialisation, pollution and energy consumption.

End to poverty and wars. Conflicts and wars lead to poverty, dicplacement of vulnerable groups, destruction of infrastructure, further pollution of the already endangered environment. Wars do not have place in a civilised world that aims to progress.

Animal safety. Even now we learn of thousands of animals being mistreated or subjected to cruelty. Whether it is in farms, homes and labs, financial gains should never be put before the well-being of animals.

Gender equality. Men and women should be presented with equal access to political, financial, health, education, social, and economic opportunities.

Acess to medical care for everyone.

Innovations that enhance environmental sustainability.

There are certainly a lot more aspects that we need to highlight and there is definitely work done on many of them, however, as we witness the changing world around us, it is just not enough and it might seem a little too late.

But isn't it darkest just before dawn?

related stories

hallo
Výška
The future in 2040: Sustainable cities full of green spaces Imagine 2040. I am standing on the roof of a high-rise building in the city centre, and around me is a panorama that people could hardly imagine twenty years ago. The city is full of greenery - rooftops covered in grass and flowers, climbing plants covering the facades of buildings, and tree-lined cycle paths and pedestrian zones winding between buildings. The air is clear, the silence broken only by the singing of birds and the gentle hum of electric cars. This is the future I would like to see - cities that live in harmony with nature. One of the biggest challenges facing humanity at the beginning of the 21st century was climate change, air pollution and the associated deterioration in the quality of life in cities. At the time, people often overlooked the importance of nature in our daily lives. But in 2040, we have finally learned to use technology to protect the environment instead of destroying it. Cities are now self-sufficient. Community gardens grow on the rooftops where residents grow their own vegetables and fruits. Rainwater is caught in special tanks and used for irrigation. Energy comes mostly from renewable sources - solar panels and wind turbines are a common part of the urban landscape. Thanks to smart grids, electricity is efficiently distributed where it is needed. Transport has undergone a radical change. Streets are no longer clogged with noise and smog from cars with internal combustion engines. Instead, silent electric cars drive through the city and public transport is completely emission-free. People are choosing to cycle, ride electric scooters or walk more often because cities are safer and more pedestrian-friendly. Many car parks have been converted into parks, squares or community spaces. But most importantly, the way people think has changed. Sustainability has become a normal part of life. Children are taught from an early age about the importance of nature, about sorting waste and about how to protect the planet. Companies and governments are working together on projects that promote ecology and improve the quality of life for all. This is the future I envision - a world where modern technology serves people and nature, where cities are not concrete jungles but places full of life, green and clean air. A future where people have learned to live in harmony with the planet because they understand that our future depends on the health of the Earth.
hallo
Sveika ir laiminga ateitis
In 2040, Lithuania will be free and prosperous. Lithuanians who have left Lithuania will return en masse to their homeland. The brightest minds will create new technologies that the whole world will want to use. The medical system will be at the forefront, because we will be using the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies developed. Medicine will be accessible and free to all, but private practice will not disappear. The latest medicines will be available for diseases that are currently still incurable. Living standards will rise. People will have more opportunities to travel, to go to theatres and concerts. Children will be educated through practical activities rather than just books. Teachers' work will become more prestigious, and respect among students will increase. Lithuanians will be proud to live in Lithuania.
hallo
Nic się nie zmieniło
The year is 2050. The war in Ukraine ended in 2026 after Russia capitulated, which by military action led to a coup in the country. A few months later Putin died, reportedly of a heart attack. Twenty years after Russia invaded Ukraine. In the World, nothing has changed, the stronger oppress the weaker, no one cares about climate change, which year after year leads to cataclysms around the globe. If not a flood, then a tsunami or an earthquake. Nothing has changed in human mentality, it's only getting worse.
hallo
In 2040, I will be almost 90 years old. Hopefully I'll still be mentally fit and won't have too many ailments so that I can still cope with everyday life. Perhaps medicine has been researched to such an extent that it can give people a longer life. This is particularly beneficial for young people who still have their lives ahead of them. A life in peace and freedom to explore the world, as we had in our youth. I wish us old people a dignified existence, available care options and a financial livelihood, as we will need a lot of money in old age to maintain a certain standard of living so that we don't end up in poverty in old age.
Join #OurFutures now!

The future is shaped by our ideas and our actions today. Tell us about your visions of the future and help us create a futures narrative aimed at inspiring citizens, policy-makers and foresight experts alike!

Our-futures-banner-coloured_v3.jpg

The European Commission support does not constitute endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained.

ERA_logo.jpg

We support the European Research Area aimed at creating a single, borderless market for research, innovation and technology in the EU.

©OurFutures 2025, All rights reserved.

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
bottom of page