2046 - Sonoran Desert, near US/Mexico border

“How long have you been travelling?” said Marcos. 

I paused, unsure of how to answer. “I stopped counting the days.”

He nodded. “My brothers and I, we got here from Ecuador. We’ve waited three years for this day.”

You’ve made it. You’ve read through the entire Climate Wars series (without skipping ahead!), where you learned what climate change is, the various effects it will have on the environment, and the dangerous impacts it will have on society, on your future.

This not-so-positive prediction will focus on African geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see an Africa that’s devastated by climate-induced droughts and food shortages; an Africa that’s overwhelmed by domestic unrest and swept up in water wars between neighbours; and an Africa that’s turned into a violent proxy battleground between the US on one side, and China and Russia on the other.

This not-so-positive prediction will focus on Southeast Asian geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see a Southeast Asia that’s bombarded with food shortages, violent tropical cyclones, and a rise in authoritarian regimes across the region. Meanwhile, you’ll also see Japan and South Korea (who we’re adding here for reasons explained later) reaping unique benefits from climate change, as long as they wisely manage their competing relationships with China and North Korea.

This surprisingly positive prediction will focus on Russian geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see a Russia that’s disproportionately benefited by a warming climate—taking advantage of its geography to shield the European and Asian continents from the absolute starvation, and to regain its position as a world superpower in the process.

This not-so-positive prediction will focus on Middle East geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see the Middle East in a violent state of flux. You’ll see a Middle East where Gulf States uses their oil wealth to attempt to build the world’s most sustainable region, while also fending off a new militant army numbering in the hundreds of thousands. You’ll also see a Middle East where Israel is forced to become the most aggressive version of itself to fend of the barbarians marching on its gates.

This not-so-positive prediction will focus on Indian and Pakistani geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years of 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see two rival states struggle with violent domestic instability as climate change robs their ability to feed their rapidly growing populations. You’ll see two rivals try desperately to hold on to power by fanning the flame of public anger against each other, setting the stage for all-out nuclear war.

This not-so-positive prediction will focus on Canadian and Australian geopolitics as it relates to climate change between the years 2040 and 2050. As you read on, you’ll see a Canada that’s disproportionately benefited by a warming climate. But you’ll also see an Australia that’s taken to the edge, transforming into a desert wasteland while it desperately builds the world’s greenest infrastructure to survive.