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As society adapts to emerging challenges, laws are increasingly crafted to reflect contemporary values, environmental concerns, and technological advancements. In the U.S., state-level initiatives like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) demonstrate a growing recognition of individual rights over personal data, pushing other states to consider similar legislation.
A report by the World Economic Forum states that approximately 60% of jobs that exist today may be eliminated by automation and artificial intelligence within the next 20 years. What’s acceptable today that might become controversial in the near future? Read on to find out.
Single-Use Plastics
The Environmental Protection Agency reveals that Americans generated about 35.7 million tons of plastic waste in 2018, and only 9% was recycled. With plastic pollution slathering our oceans—approximately 8 million tons entering each year—and harming marine life, cities and countries worldwide are taking bold action.
The World Economic Forum projects that by 2040, plastic waste could balloon to 1.3 billion metric tons globally, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and biodiversity. Countries like Canada and several members of the European Union have already started implementing bans or restrictions on single-use plastics.
Fossil Fuel Vehicles
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that road transport accounts for almost 25% of global CO2 emissions. Many countries, including the U.K. and Norway, have set ambitious targets to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and 2025, respectively.
Research from BloombergNEF suggests that by 2025, E.V.s could make up 10% of global car sales, skyrocketing to 58% by 2040. This shift is propelled by advancements in battery technology, decreasing costs, and significant investments in charging infrastructure.
Factory Farming
Recent studies indicate that factory farming contributes massively to greenhouse gas emissions; FAO estimates that livestock alone contributes 14.5% of the world’s total emissions. Furthermore, public sentiment is shifting as more consumers turn towards sustainable and humane food sources.
A report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has linked antibiotic-resistant bacteria to the misuse of antibiotics in livestock, raising alarms about public health risks. The growth of lab-grown meat and plant-based alternatives could pave the way for such changes.
Non-Essential Air Travel
It’s estimated that flying accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, which could soar as air travel becomes more accessible. An International Air Transport Association report notes that passenger numbers are expected to double by 2037.
Countries like Sweden and New Zealand are actively proposing taxes on frequent flyers or promoting “staycation” initiatives to reduce carbon footprints.
Data Privacy Violations
Nowadays, countless companies collect, share, and sell personal information without our explicit consent. A Pew Research Centre report highlights that 71% of adults express varying degrees of concern regarding how the government utilizes the data it collects about them, up from 64% in 2019.
The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets a precedent for the future, imposing hefty fines on companies that violate users’ data rights. Gartner forecasts that by 2025, 75% of the global population’s data will be protected under modern privacy regulations.
Firearms Ownership
The increasing concerns over gun violence and mass shootings have led many experts to predict that stricter regulations—or even outright bans on certain firearms—could become a reality in the next 50 years. A 2021 report from the CDC notes that there were nearly 24,000 firearm-related deaths in the U.S.
Advancements in technology, such as smart guns that can only be fired by recognized users, show there’s a possibility that the very definition of “acceptable” firearms will evolve.
Non-Renewable Energy Sources
Non-renewable energy sources, including coal, oil, and natural gas, currently power 85% of our planet. As climate change becomes an urgent global challenge, countries are ramping up efforts to curtail carbon emissions.
Advancements in renewable energy technologies, like solar and wind, and a collective push toward sustainability have led governments to introduce stringent regulations. The European Union aims for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. To meet the Paris Agreement goals, at least 90% of the world’s coal plants must be phased out by 2040.
Unregulated Social Media Content
Approximately 4.7 billion people use social media globally. User-generated content dances freely across platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok without strict oversight. The rise of deepfakes and disinformation campaigns could potentially lead to public harm, influencing everything from elections to public health.
A report by the Pew Research Center found that about 64% of Americans believe that social media platforms do not do enough to prevent harassment or misinformation. The European Union has been leading the charge with its Digital Services Act, which aims to ensure safer online spaces.
Cosmetic Animal Testing
The cosmetic industry uses millions of animals each year to test products and ingredients, with reports indicating that in the U.S. alone, approximately 50,000 animals are subjected to these tests annually.
Countries like the European Union and India have already implemented strict bans on animal testing for cosmetic products, setting a precedent that could influence global practices. Additionally, advancements in alternative testing methods, such as organ-on-a-chip technology and in vitro models, are promising, making animal testing unnecessary.
Private Ownership of Exotic Animals
Millions of people in the U.S. enjoy pet ownership beyond typical cats and dogs. The Humane Society International notes that an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 big cats—like tigers and lions—are in private hands nationwide.
Exotic animals often face improper care and pose significant risks to public safety. Reports from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicate that between 1990 and 2016, the number of incidents involving exotic pets led to injuries or fatalities in humans. Initiatives for better wildlife protection—such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act, recently passed in 2022—are leading the charge toward stricter laws.
AI-Generated Content
Artificial intelligence can now create realistic text, images, and videos, leading to the rise of “deep fakes. ” According to a McKinsey survey, around 85% of businesses use A.I. to produce various content types.
However, this raises critical questions: Who owns the machine-generated content? Is it ethical to present AI-generated art as original human works? Nearly 80% of Americans support stricter regulations surrounding A.I. technologies.
Excessive Work Hours
The OECD warns that about 10% of workers in member countries work more than 50 hours a week. This hampers personal well-being and can decrease productivity, diminishing returns on those long hours.
Employers are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of burnout. A Gallup report states that burnout costs the global economy an estimated $322 billion annually in lost productivity. We might see stricter regulations on working hours similar to those already in place in countries like France, where the 35-hour workweek is revered.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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