Artifact from the Future: Hydro-Pac
Creative Concept
OVERVIEW
This project explores potential future strategies to support individuals affected by climate migration. Through a foresight training at the Institute for the Future (IFTF), I engaged in an exercise to create an Artifact from the Future – a signpost image in the desert representing a hypothetical device called the Hydro-Pac. The Hydro-Pac is a lightweight, backpack-like machine inspired by current atmospheric water generation technology, capable of collecting enough potable water to sustain eight people. The project aims to raise important questions about the role of inter-governmental aid, the establishment of safe migration routes, and the provision of essential services and tools for overland climate migrants.
KEY QUESTIONS
- What steps can inter-governmental groups like the UN take to ensure the safety and well-being of overland climate migrants?
- Will these groups help establish and maintain specific routes for climate migrants?
- Will they engage with local communities and governments to create supportive environments for overland climate migrants passing through their territories?
- Will they be able to provide essential services like rest areas, medical aid, and shelters along the way?
- Will they provide migrants with tools, potentially like the Hydro-Pac, and offer training to help “water bearers” learn how to effectively use these tools?
INSIGHTS
Through the creation of the Artifact from the Future, this project aims to facilitate deeper embodiment of the world of a potential future, unlocking new insights and encouraging thought about challenges and outcomes that may not have been previously considered. The project highlights the need for more discussion specifically around building out systems and tools to assist the millions of people who will face climate migration in the coming years.
