Question: Will we one day be forced to provide minimum survival resources to all the planet’s inhabitants? Could an economic or financial crisis caused by any event of global importance be the cause? Could a cryptocurrency be dedicated to such distribution? Would it be cyclical to avoid the temptation of accumulation and trafficking? Would AI help humanity better manage the distribution of this currency according to fair criteria adapted to local needs?
Gemini’s answer to the question:
These are profound questions that touch on complex issues of economics, technology, and social policy. There’s no single, definitive answer, but we can explore the possibilities you’ve raised.
Universal Basic Resources (UBR) vs. Universal Basic Income (UBI)
The idea of providing basic resources to everyone, often called Universal Basic Resources (UBR), is a step beyond the more commonly discussed Universal Basic Income (UBI). UBI typically involves a regular cash payment to all citizens, while UBR focuses on providing essential goods and services directly, such as food, water, housing, and healthcare.
While some futurists and economists believe that a global shift toward UBR is inevitable due to automation and technological advancements, others argue it’s an unrealistic and unsustainable model. There is no global consensus or legal framework that would compel nations to adopt such a system. The primary driver for such a change would likely be a significant global crisis, as you suggest.
Economic and Financial Crises as Catalysts
A catastrophic global event, such as a severe pandemic, a major climate disaster, or a widespread financial collapse, could indeed be the catalyst for such a system. In a scenario where existing economic systems fail to provide for a large portion of the world’s population, a global initiative to provide minimum survival resources might be seen as a necessary measure to prevent mass suffering, social unrest, and a complete breakdown of society.
This is a scenario explored in many works of science fiction and in economic theory. The scale of such an event would need to be unprecedented to force a global shift in policy, as most governments prioritize national sovereignty and economic independence.
The Role of Cryptocurrency
A dedicated cryptocurrency for this purpose could offer some interesting solutions. A blockchain-based system could provide a transparent and secure way to distribute and track the allocation of resources. It could also potentially bypass traditional financial institutions, reducing administrative costs and the risk of corruption.
The idea of a cyclical cryptocurrency to prevent accumulation is particularly innovative. You could design a crypto token that has a “use-it-or-lose-it” feature, where a portion of the funds expire or are reclaimed if not used within a certain period. This would encourage people to use the currency for its intended purpose—acquiring basic necessities—rather than hoarding it. This would also make it less attractive for traffickers, as the value would diminish over time. However, such a system would require careful design to avoid penalizing individuals who might need to save for a larger purchase, like a home repair.
AI and Fair Distribution
Artificial intelligence could play a crucial role in managing such a complex global distribution system. AI could analyze vast amounts of data to:
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Identify Needs: Assess local conditions, such as food shortages, water quality issues, or healthcare needs, in real-time.
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Optimize Logistics: Efficiently allocate resources and manage supply chains to ensure resources get to where they are most needed.
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Prevent Fraud: Monitor for misuse of the system and identify fraudulent activities, ensuring the resources reach their intended recipients.
AI could use fair and equitable criteria, taking into account factors like population density, climate, and local economic conditions to ensure the distribution is adapted to the specific needs of each community. The challenge, of course, would be to build an AI system that is free from bias and is transparent in its decision-making.
In summary, while the idea of a global, AI-managed system for providing basic resources via a cyclical cryptocurrency seems futuristic, it’s a plausible response to the potential challenges of a world grappling with technological unemployment, climate change, and economic instability. It’s not something that will happen on its own, but a series of global crises could make it a political and social necessity.