The Zone – The area located between the redesigned, closed-loop cities is called the Zone. In its final form, the Zone is an untouched and undisturbed natural area. The new cities cannot expand beyond their designated borders. The Zone is currently in a state of development and evolution. Abandoned, historical cities are gradually being dismantled, and recoverable raw materials are transported to the new cities for use. In place of the cities, mosaic habitats typical of the landscape are created to promote diversity. As part of the oasis plan, special attention is paid to the creation of large, hidden water reservoirs, which balance the effects of the increasingly dry and variable weather.
Some smaller human communities live in the Zone, collectively referred to as outsiders. They have chosen a life close to nature instead of the cities. Their lifestyle is adapted to the conditions of the Zone; they can grow plants and keep animals for their own use, but they cannot trade with them. Their other needs are provided by the cities, if requested.
Energy – Humanity covers the overwhelming majority of the energy required for earthly life from renewable energy sources. Energy supply is characterized by cyclicality and layering. Cyclicality exists due to the alternation of energy-rich and energy-poor periods. Examples include the difference in solar energy between day and night, or the change between winter and summer periods. Humanity has, on the one hand, acknowledged that there are energy-poor periods, and on the other hand, has developed multi-level, local energy storage systems to balance this.
Layering refers to the different technologies created for the processes to be satisfied rapidly, and for the slower processes. The most common form of energy storage is the use of sugars, but the aim is to operate systems composed of two or three storage forms everywhere, which can immediately and efficiently store excess energy in case of overproduction. Here too, sustainability and closed-loop principles precede efficiency considerations. ‘Every atom and every chemical bond must be accounted for.’
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Sugar-based energy storage became widespread after biological, bone-muscle-based robots had been successfully grown. They have proven to be the most environmentally friendly machines.
Economy – Society provides a high level of differentiated living conditions for its members. For example, those who have children receive extra benefits, both in terms of material resources and energy, and human assistance. The Earth is dominated by a few massive mega corporations and thousands of small ones. Work is more of a privilege than a compulsion. Basic needs are produced by robots, much more efficiently than if humans did it. Those who work, receive their payment according to the actual usefulness of their work. After a particularly useful day, they receive more pay than on an idle day. The primary measure of effectiveness is how much the activity contributes to reaching the universe, and maintaining the necessary safe prosperity until then.
If someone accomplishes something exceptionally important, and their work makes people happier and more motivated, or as a researcher, someone closes off technological dead ends, and lays the foundation for new technologies, they receive huge rewards. Current income is calculated by the Knowledge Network using personal assistant data and future models. The units earned by individuals are not inheritable. They can be spent on premium goods and premium services.
Neither land nor larger means of production can be owned on Earth or in the universe. Lease rights could be acquired for these. Mega corporations make their production capacities available to individual needs within flexible frameworks.
A huge entertainment industry has developed for those who do not work, or work very little, which includes sports events, artistic and musical events, and religious events. The primary focus of society is on scientific achievement, but it has been accepted that this only occupied a smaller part of society, and also that everyone is necessary for the creation of the scientific stratum. Like the visible part of icebergs, a huge mass of submerged ice is needed.
