Human need will continually evolve as with the population growth, our ambitions and aspirations grow
The risks to the worlds ecosystems and even beyond as we start to move away from this cradle earth will always be changing, so the solutions we will need will change as well.
Looking into the near term problems that we are facing first.
Unfortunately war is the biggest near term risk factor to our globe even if nuclear weapons are not used.
There are a vast range of natural risks, some which we will with a reasonable political will be able to solve.
New Scientific understanding and research can give the politicians options for possible solutions.
Here are some example areas for science in the near term to 2050 time span that will reduce/change dramatically the future human risk assessments:
Nano Technology
This is one branch of technology that futurist believe has the ability to solve all problems be man made of natural. One prominent group is the the Foresight Institute
Near term important nanotechnology solutions are varied and many. Fresh water supply by new desalinate and purification methods, New ultra lightweight ultra strong building materials for infer-structure and housing, New ways of treating and combating illness and disease.
New ways of producing fuels, New carbon based nano computing.
In the next 50 years Nano machines to build what we need and want from raw matter. nanobot repairs and rebuilding of biological systems including repair due to ageing in humans. The most controversial using nano based machines that can also self replicate.
Most of the ideas and science of nanotechnology are already proven.
BioTech
This research is growing very fast, in the next couple of years some truly amazing breakthrough research will come to the forefront. Genesis2 project will be able to make total new life forms based on making artificial DNA and cells. Havard Szostak lab
Growth of new organs to replace damaged or worn out organs.
drugs to slow down ageing.
Biological enhancements, better, stronger, faster. (supermouse very dramatical shows this research)
Food production, genetic modification.
Fusion energy production is an answer for most of the industrialised world to have CO2 neutral energy
Solar Power on earth has a very important roll to play particularly in desert areas and also in space generation of energy
Renewable CO2 Fuels