The Third Industrial Revolution is Coming

In a somewhat discouraging essay (the first in a four-part series) about Earth's ecosystems under siege by climate change, the following is predicted:

"The destabilization of ecosystem dynamics around the world has now pushed the biosphere into the sixth extinction event of the past 450 million years of life on Earth. In each of the five previous extinctions, Earth's climate reached a critical tipping point, throwing the ecosystems into a positive feedback loop, leading to a quick wipeout of the planet's biodiversity. On average, it took upward of 10 million years to recover the lost biodiversity. Biologists tell us that we could see the extinction of half the Earth's species by the end of the current century, resulting in a barren new era that could last for millions of years."

What are we to do to save the biodiversity upon which all life depends? A digital economy may be part of the solution. The digital economy (much more than universal broadband and Big Data) has the potential to revolutionize nearly every commercial sector. Dubbed "The Third Industrial Revolution," it continues to create the Internet of Things for roads, offices, homes and power grids.

What do you think? Share your comments on this important topic, and be sure to check back as we bring you the 2nd of the series.