Envisioning the Techno Cities of Tomorrow: A Speculative Look
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Chapter 1: The Future of Urban Living
In a world increasingly influenced by climate change, my series "Until This Last" depicts a scenario where the wealthy elite govern 131 underground cities, representing the remnants of the United States. Their facade of supporting democracy has crumbled, revealing a history where the nation functioned as a socialist entity, but solely for the affluent. These individuals amassed wealth while the majority bore the burden of taxes.
Recent research into the survival strategies of the ultra-wealthy has unveiled a shift in thinking; owning just one bunker is no longer sufficient. Instead, they are considering entire cities filled with like-minded individuals. For instance, Bill Gates has revealed plans to invest $80 million in acquiring four square miles of land approximately 45 minutes from Phoenix to establish a techno-utopian city named Belmont.
The first video, titled What is Speculative Fiction? Science Fiction and Fantasy Umbrella Genre Speculative Fiction, delves into the genre's characteristics and its implications for our understanding of future societies.
Section 1.1: Emerging Legislation
In parallel with Gates' ambitions, Nevada is considering legislation to facilitate the creation of independent cities. These proposed zones would leverage cutting-edge technologies such as blockchain, autonomous systems, the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence, biometrics, and sustainable resources. If implemented, property owners in these zones could potentially establish local governments with powers akin to county authorities, including taxation and governance.
Subsection 1.1.1: Requirements for New Cities
Current draft legislation in Nevada outlines that any new city must be constructed on 50,000 acres of uninhabited land. To initiate such a project, a private entity would need to secure $250 million upfront and commit to investing $1 billion over the subsequent decade.
Notably, in 2018, tech entrepreneur Jeffrey Berns, whose firm Blockchains, LLC specializes in cryptocurrency, purchased around 67,000 acres of undeveloped land in Storey County for $170 million, equivalent to the area of Henderson.
Section 1.2: The Elite's Vision
Similar to the ruling elite depicted in my novels, figures like Gates and Berns are likely to control the dynamics of life, work, and existence within these techno-utopias.
Chapter 2: Speculative Fiction and Reality
Might their envisioned lifestyles incorporate bioengineering and genetic modifications? These themes are explored in my three books, where two protagonists are bio-engineered with neural implants connected to the web, and one character has activated their dormant DNA. Other characters are genetically enhanced, all residing in advanced smart cities.
The second video, titled BHM 2021: Breaking Borders: Black Representation in Speculative Fiction Panel, addresses the intersection of race and genre, illustrating how diverse perspectives enrich speculative narratives.
The curious aspect of speculative, research-driven science fiction is its tendency to manifest into reality. As we observe developments in technology and urban planning, the boundaries between fiction and fact continue to blur.