Western society is the most technologically and economically 'advanced' on earth. We are also the most reliant on (y2k defective) computer systems. The overwhelming y2k problem will hit us the hardest.
As inconceivable as it sounds, we are facing a possible collapse of the international system of finance, banking and means of payment. A downturn so severe, the global economic structure will be reduced to a fraction the current level. Trade and exchange will become localized as the system and infrastructure breaks down. It will take years or decades to climb out of this mess, and many will suffer.
The Worlds' population is now around 6 Billion. This was only made possible by fossil fuel operated means of production. In order to grow the great quantities of food necessary to support this many bodies, large-scale distribution, automation, mechanization and co-ordination of countless systems is required. The sophisticated connectivity of modern society makes it possible for the division of labor and mass food production.
This also makes it very fragile.
If y2k severly disrupts our food growing capacity and means of distribution, we will be facing chaos and mass starvation of hundreds of millions worldwide. (Unless 3/4 of the population, currently urban dwellers, instantly become rural farmers). Urban centers will be hit the hardest.
No power plant is yet year 2000 compliant. If many plants and suppliers don't make the deadline, the power grid is at risk. If it goes down for any significant period of time (weeks or months), the resulting chaos and economic collapse would ensure our demise as a modern civilization. This doesn't necessarily mean a dark end-of-the-world, Mad Max-like future; it simply means that our current military/industrial/welfare complex collapses only to be re-born and transformed into a new order. Societies and nations have collapsed throughout history and is simply part of the natural order; two steps forward, one step back. It is not that we cannot adjust to the new order or way of life, it simply takes time for the purging process to complete, as it is the adjustment itself which is painfull
As The West is decimated for a decade or more, many 3rd world countries will muddle along as they always have. International trade will drop to a fraction of current levels. After all, when the fractional banking system and means of payments dissolves, how will shipping companies get paid?.... How can their ships get refueled and maintained when distribution fails? ...Where can they get repair parts and tools when automated factories fail?.... Who will buy the products being shipped when most modern economies fail? ....What will their employees do when they don't get paid?.......
Isn't it Ironic that technology, with all the benefits and progress it enabled and promised, will also be the cause of our undoing? Actually, it's not technology itself, but perhaps a flawed, short-sighted attempt to integrate human society and technology. No one is immune either, we will all be affected. There will be many lessons to be learned through the pains of collapse. The entire economic system and government may be overhauled as a result. What may emerge from the ashes will undoubtedly be a civilization wiser in its social focus and development of technology based on long term sustainability. So in this regard we can look forward to bright future--and possible golden age --for generations to come...but first:
Enjoy life and rejoice now, as things are about to get very dark...
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