Final answer:
Identifying the predictions about 2050 from Samuel, Lea, and Steven indicates a mix of optimism and concern, ranging from language learning to space exploration. The global population is expected to reach around 9.4 to 11 billion, which could lead to increased resource demands and environmental challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
A student is tasked with predicting the world in 2050 by interpreting the views of Samuel, Lea, and Steven, and considering various demographic, technological, and geopolitical trends. Here are the matching predictions for each person mentioned in the exercise:
- Lea believes everyone will be able to speak at least five languages.
- Both Lea and Steven express optimism that we will live in peace, potentially without wars and nuclear weapons.
- Steven hopes we will discover intelligent beings on other planets.
- According to Samuel, India will become the largest economy, surpassing China.
- Lea is hopeful that advances in medicine will result in longer lifespans and fewer health issues.
- Lea also anticipates the formation of a single world government, referencing the current International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Samuel warns of problems with pollution due to climate change and growing populations.
- Finally, Samuel suggests that humanity might need to extract resources from the Moon and Mars due to Earth's increasing demand.
Reflecting on the broader picture based on various sources, it's predicted that the global population will reach 9.4 to 11 billion by 2050. Issues like pollution, climate change, and resource scarcity are expected to compound as population grows, while the promise of space exploration and technological advancement offers a glimmer of hope.