DC 2210

I’m going to try to do my best to not go overboard with the apocalyptic clichés when envisioning Washington, D.C. in 200 years. Assuming the city is not completely underwater by 2210, the landscape would still not be a pretty one. There would be not a single tree in the entire district, all of them cut down to make room for new housing developments, roads, shopping or other by products of suburban sprawl. The Potomac river would most likely be dried up, the result of drainage because of overpollution and erosion or perhaps just for the sake of having more building room. The sky is noticeably more cloudy, the temperature warmer. The relatively low skyline that the city once had is now peppered with a few skyscrapers, with more on the way. These are massive apartment buildings for D.C.’s population, which is now closing in on 3 million people. The streets are filled with traffic and pedestrians battling for space on the road. The relatively suburban area of Tenleytown where American University once was is now a heavily congested, commercial area comparable to downtown D.C. now. The metro is constantly packed with people, usually unable to provide enough transportation for the city’s swelling population. Food prices are through the roof, processed foods being the main intake for most people. The native wildlife of D.C. has all but disappeared. Water shortages and outages are frequent and there is a cap on the amount of water a person can use in a day. It is not a pretty site to say the least.

Let’s now envision Sustainable D.C. in the year 2210. The roads on which cars once drove are now thin bike paths. The metro still exists for those looking for quicker access to other parts of the city. Plant life has increased considerably and is still expanding, the wildlife now flourishing in these expanded habitats. The Potomac River is clean, the levels of fish and amphibian species are on the rise. The city skyline is lower than before, with most massive energy gobbling buildings being remodeled or refitted, solar panels can be seen on most rooftops. The food selection, of course, is mainly vegetarian and vegan, a lifestyle choice chosen by most citizens as a way to fight overconsumption and climate change on a national and global level. Water use is restricted but still manageable and bottled water is a thing of the past. Citizens mostly live in smaller communities consisting of small, environmentally friendly living arrangements, with most people living with 2-3 roommates. The weather is sunny, the landscape is green and the future looks bright. This is the Washington, D.C. I’d like to see.