10個理由告訴你,未來會更好(下)

wable Energy Can Provide 80 Percent of U.S. Electricity in the Future

3.可再生能源未來能爲美國提供80%的電力

You have most likely heard of renewable energy or even incorporated it in your home, or office to do your part for the environment. Renewable energy is energy derived from natural resources including the wind, sunlight, and water. This form of energy is always renewed and cannot be exhausted. The most popular modern day form of this energy can be seen in solar paneling. Renewable energy can produce electricity and plays a major role in reducing greenhouse emissions and fossil fuels.

你很有可能已經聽到過可再生能源這個詞，甚至你的家裏或辦公室裏已經在使用可再生能源，以此來爲保護環境儘自己的一份力。可再生能源來自自然資源，包括風、陽光和水。這種形式的能量一直更新，永不枯竭。最受歡迎的現代能源是太陽能。可再生能源可以產生電能，在減少溫室氣體排放和化石燃料的使用上起着重要作用。

A study released by the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts that renewable energy resources can soon provide up to 80 percent of the electricity in the United States. The study was conducted to determine how renewable energy can meet the needs of a rapidly increasing population. Using the current solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal, and hydropower, this 80 percent increase is a promising possibility for our future.

美國國家可再生能源實驗室發佈的研究表示，可再生能源很快就可以爲美國提供80%的電力。開展此項研究旨在確定可再生能源如何滿足迅速增長的人口的需要。通過使用當前的太陽能電池板、風力渦輪機、地熱能和水電，80%這個數字未來很可能達到。

Increasing this renewable energy will provide substantial benefits for our economy, climate, and health. Not only will it drastically reduce global warming, but it will improve public health, and provide many economic benefits. In a future with 80 percent fewer renewables, our carbon emissions will also be reduced by 80 percent, and water use will be cut in half.

增加這種可再生能源將爲我們的經濟、氣候和健康帶來實質性的好處。它不僅能大幅減少全球變暖，而且能改善公共衛生，也能提供很多經濟利益。未來有了這80%可再生能源，我們的碳排放量也將減少80%，用水量將減半。

This future is both possible and affordable, and we already have the tools in place to begin, however, we need to make improvements to our current electricity grid first. Additionally, the United States needs to implement a clean energy policy for renewables.

這種未來是充滿希望且負擔得起的，我們已經利用各種工具就地開始，然而，我們首先要改進當前的電網。此外，美國需要爲可再生能源的使用落實清潔能源政策。

es Revolution Could Sweep the World

2.無人機革命會席捲全球

The military and the CIA have been using drones, or unmanned Ariel vehicles since the early 2000’s for use in attacks and other tactical efforts. The CIA was also utilizing these for surveillance before the September 11th attacks. Just a decade ago, the term “drone,” was only associated with terror attacks, war, and spy activity, however, today they are used much differently.

美國軍方及美國中央情報局早在2000年就一直將無人機或不載人艾瑞歐汽車用於襲擊或戰爭。中央情報局也曾在九一一襲擊前將無人機作監視用。就在十年前，“無人機”這個名詞僅和恐怖襲擊、戰爭及間諜活動有關係，現在，他們的用途大有不同了。

The fear surrounding drones has lessened, and they have become quite popular in the modern day. One of the most popular uses of drones in recent years is to capture live events including weddings, sporting events, and concerts. Drones are also helping large organizations like NASA with surveillance in unknown areas. Additionally, these amazing Ariel vehicles are helping shooting movies, aiding law enforcement, and even watching wildlife.

當代人們對無人機的恐懼減弱，無人機也逐漸流行起來。近年最熱門的無人機主要用於現場直播，包括婚禮儀式，體育比賽，音樂會等等活動。一些大型組織也用得到它，比如美國宇航局會藉助無人機對未知區域進行監控。此外，這些神奇的飛行器能幫助拍攝影片，協助執法，甚至可以通過它觀察野生動物。

If you thought all that was great, there is so much more on the horizon. In fact, drones are projected to change the revolutionize several areas in the future. For starters, helicopter-style drones are expected to offer farmers an affordable alternative for spraying crops with pesticides and fertilizers.

假如你認爲以上功能已經很厲害了，那還遠着呢。事實上，無人機項目在未來會徹底改變一些地區。首先，直升飛機式無人機可成爲播撒農藥和化肥的一種替代方式，農民們也負擔得起。

The field of archology could benefit greatly thanks to the use of drones equipped with heat-sensing cameras. With thermal images, researchers could capture what is hidden beneath surface areas and structures. Thanks to a project grant awarded to Harvard-MIT, drones have aided in humanitarian work with the delivery of vaccines to critical locations throughout the world. As we advance into the future, drones are anticipated to expand internet access, deliver food, and much more.

得益於配備有熱感應相機的無人機，起源論研究領域有了很大進展。科學家可通過熱成像拍攝到藏在表層和結構之下的東西。一項項目資金撥給了哈佛麻省理工學院，無人機得以在世界各地關鍵區域播撒疫苗，爲人道主義事業做出了貢獻。如果我們能夠提前進入未來世界，估計無人機能夠擴大網絡範圍，分發食物，能做其他許許多多事情。

ual and Augmented Reality

1.虛擬現實與增強現實

With virtual reality, you can interact in a video game, swim the barrier reef, or hike the Appalachian trail right from the comfort of your couch. Virtual reality is a computer-generated environment that creates any reality of your choice, through images fed to your eyes from two small lenses. There are currently several VR headsets available through Google, Samsung, and other leading tech companies.

通過虛擬現實技術，你可以在電子遊戲裏互動，在堡礁中遨遊，或者舒適地躺在沙發上就能攀登阿帕拉契山脈。虛擬現實是利用電腦模擬產生的虛擬現實，通過兩個小鏡頭根據你的選擇提供圖像。目前谷歌、三星及其他技術領先的公司可提供數種VR耳機。

Augmented reality blends virtual reality and real life to create images within applications to provide a composite view. Augmented and virtual realities both utilize the similar forms of technology and they each coexist together to serve the user with a comparable type of enriching experience.

增強現實將虛擬現實和真實環境結合起來，以此來創造一種混合的視角。增強現實與虛擬現實運用的科技相似，他們彼此共存，共同爲用戶提供舒適且豐富的體驗。

Both technologies are commonly sought after for entertainment purposes. However, tech developers are investing in improvements to reach new areas with the technologies. Additionally, augmented and virtual realities have shown great potential in adding to the medical fields in helping to heal PTSD. Automotive manufacturers are even using AR/VR to improve upon product designs and enhance technologies.

兩者都因其娛樂性廣受追捧，但是技術開發人員正在投資對這兩種技術進行改善，希望通過新科技開拓出新領域。另外，增強現實與虛擬現實在醫學領域已顯示出巨大潛力，他們可幫助治癒創傷後的應激障礙。汽車製造商甚至也運用AR或VR來改善產品的設計並加強技術。

We can expect a lot more out of virtual and augmented realty in the future. Augmented reality is expected to fall in line with mobile technology and could include the creation of mobile applications. Other areas to look forward to include assisting the military with enemy positioning, engineer prototyping, and anatomy training for medical students.

我們期待未來可以從虛擬現實與增強現實技術中收穫更多。增強現實應該會符合手機技術並且可以將手機應用的開發囊括其中。其他前瞻性的領域還包括協助軍方定位敵軍，工程原型塑造，爲醫學學生訓練解剖等。

Virtual reality also looks very bright beginning with nanotechnology, this idea will upload the human brain into a computer system or gaming system, to allow you to experience graphics fully.

虛擬現實技術前途也是一片光明，首先是納米技術，它會將人類大腦上傳至計算機系統或者遊戲系統，能讓你身臨其境一般。

Conclusion

總結

While fear can be a rational response to the unknown, there are many reasons to believe that the future will be promising. Although it is common to fear technology, the past has shown that it can and will be a promising addition to our lives. When the telephone was first introduced, many people were hesitant to accept it, and now we are hard pressed to find someone without one.

恐懼是對未知事物的合理反應，但仍有許多理由使我們相信未來充滿希望。我們害怕科技很正常，但歷史證明科技會給我們的生活帶來益處，並且發展前景良好。電話最初發明出來的時候，許多人不願接受，但是現在幾乎沒人沒有電話。

The same held true with the first personal computer and the introduction of the internet. What we can learn from that is, our fears were proved irrational, and your technophobia was unnecessary. As you move towards the future, the same theory holds true; there is every reason to believe your future will be bright.

第一臺個人電腦以及互聯網的出現也是一樣的道理。可以從中發現，我們對未知事物的恐懼是不合理的，你對新科技的恐懼也是不必要的。當你步入未來，這道理依舊正確；你完全有理由相信你的未來是光明的。

With another year, ahead of you, you have a clean slate, which means the world is your oyster, and whatever the future throws your way is in your control. In case you don’t like what the future has to offer, the best thing you can do is prepare.

在你面前的又是一年，你可以重新開始，這個世界是你的，未來會甩給你怎樣的道路完全由你自己掌控。萬一你不喜歡未來提供的道路，你最好的選擇就是做好準備。

The best way to prepare for the future is to be ready for all possibilities, not just advances in technology. You can expect to see population growth, economic growth, and climate changes. As you move towards your future, place yourself in a position to take advantage of future opportunities should they come your way. It’s also a good idea to educate yourself and remain curious. When you do these things, you will be better equipped to handle your bright future.

爲未來做好準備，就是準備好應對一切的可能，不僅僅是科技的發展。你可以預見到人口增長，經濟增長以及氣候改變。當你步入未來，你要利用好未來的各種機會，萬一它們成爲了你的正確道路呢。你得保持求知慾和好奇心，這樣你就會更有準備地去應對自己光明的未來。