As long as water is coming out of the tap, we have no reason to worry. And as long as grocery store shelves are stocked with food, we will benefit from having options. But what would happen in a world that is defined by scarcity?

If people have dwindling access to vital resources in the future, each country will keep the limited resources and goods that they do have for themselves. Global trade will decline significantly. The result? Black markets and corruption thrive; bartering becomes commonplace. The gap between rich and poor widens further. However, this seemingly apocalyptic scenario could also represent an opportunity for a truly new beginning. Being forced to make do with what’s locally available transforms our way of life. Innovations are based on recycling and reusing materials. Local production booms. Healthcare is targeted to local needs.

In this scenario, sustainability therefore means ensuring survival.

Imagine a world in which powerful, competing blocs control world trade. Tensions mean that international cooperation no longer functions, even when it comes to challenges requiring joint solutions, such as climate change. As global commerce declines further and further, the nation-state and its institutions play an increasingly important role, which has a positive impact on the local economy.

In this scenario, national governments are forced to find tailored solutions that provide their people with access to education and jobs. Social, organizational and technological innovations are in demand. The decline in international trade also reduces global travel, thus stemming the spread of disease.

In this scenario, sustainability therefore means ensuring quality of life for your own citizens.

What if you were awoken from a deep sleep every morning at 6 a.m. by the gentle vibration of a microchip in your ear? This would mean living in a world where science and technology dictate our existence – not only to improve the human species, but also to solve the most urgent issues facing humanity.

This world is racing to develop the best technologies. Technological innovations are often viewed as a panacea, without anyone considering the ethical implications, data privacy issues or subsequent risks. This emboldens scientists to develop trailblazing applications for society and the environment; however, these have both positive and negative consequences for humanity and the natural world. The advances benefit primarily young, educated and affluent individuals. Others are left behind.

In this scenario, sustainability therefore means finding technological solutions for every problem, but not for every person.

What would our world look like if people continued to lose faith in the ability of political institutions to solve the problems facing humanity – and then companies stepped in to fill the vacuum?

Large companies join forces in global networks and collaborate to create solutions for a sustainable future. In this world, global trade is underpinned by capital investment and guided by a responsibly managed financial system in which environmental and social factors are given priority. Renewable energies prevail; true sustainability is required across all processes and product lines.

The flip side of the coin? Global enterprises have amassed too much power; political values and fundamental individual rights are increasingly being jeopardized. Even though numerous sustainability challenges are solved, social inequality is on the rise.

In this scenario, sustainability therefore means more power for future-oriented companies, but less democracy for people.