Slovenia in 2061: A Look Into a Future of Climate Change and AI (in Slovene)

Four experts recently shared their predictions for Slovenia in the year 2061, detailing how climate change, technology, and social shifts will reshape daily life over the next 35 years.

A major focus of their vision involves artificial intelligence and the job market. AI expert Marko Grobelnik warns that society is moving toward a reality where "work is decoupling from earnings." As automated systems and advanced robotics take over traditional jobs, Grobelnik emphasizes that redefining how people make a living when machines do the labor will be a massive challenge. Economist Sašo Polanec adds that the real test will be learning to use AI independently without becoming entirely dependent on global tech giants.

Alongside these technological shifts, the country will face serious environmental and social pressures. Climatologist Lučka Kajfež Bogataj warns that Slovenia will experience much warmer temperatures and more extreme weather, which will threaten the economy if the country doesn't adapt quickly. At the same time, anthropologist Dan Podjed cautions against a trend he calls "crisisolation"—where people use technology to retreat into isolated, comfortable bubbles, losing touch with their communities.

Ultimately, the experts agree that Slovenia's success will depend entirely on how well the nation balances these rapid advancements with human and environmental needs.