Scientists have used a computer to predict exactly when society will collapse

Kieran Galpin

Binge The Walking Dead in preparation

Scientists in the 1970’s designed a computer model to predict the collapse of society – and it might have a serious impact on your long term plans.

Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), widely regarded as one of the world’s leading institutions, analysed data from a range of factors including population, natural resources and energy usage.

The prediction concluded with the idea that societal collapse would occur near the midpoint of the 21st century, which happens to be the year 2040.

Published by academia group Club of Rome, the study highlighted “limits of growth” that would create a domino effect leading all the way to industrial and societal decay.

Another study from 2009, published by American Scientist, dictates that the initial study hit the nail on the head, despite apprehension from the scientific community.

They said that the first set of research was: “Almost exactly on course some 35 years later in 2008 (with a few appropriate assumptions)… it is important to recognise that its predictions have not been invalidated and in fact seem quite on target.

“We are not aware of any model made by economists that is as accurate over such a long time span.”

Last year, Dutch sustainability researcher Gaya Herrington also backed up the claims from the initial study.

She told the Guardian: “From a research perspective, I felt a data check of a decades-old model against empirical observations would be an interesting exercise.”

She found that the current data aligns with predictions made in 1972. The worst-case scenario, which is looking more and more likely, sees economic growth halting at the end of the decade and then complete collapse just 10 years later.

But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Herrington explained: “The key finding of my study is that we still have a choice to align with a scenario that does not end in collapse.

“With innovation in business, along with new developments by governments and civil society, continuing to update the model provides another perspective on the challenges and opportunities we have to create a more sustainable world.”