What We Know, Kinda Know, and Don’t Know: We’re On to the 2025 Edition
As we transition from 2024 to 2025, the world of sports, politics, entertainment, and technology continues to evolve, bringing with it exciting opportunities and lingering uncertainties. As is tradition with the start of a new year, it’s time to reflect on what we know for sure, what we’re still trying to figure out, and what’s yet to be determined. In this edition of “What We Know, Kinda Know, and Don’t Know,” we’ll take a look at what we can expect as 2025 begins.
What We Know
- Technological Advancements Are Coming Fast
The world of technology continues to innovate at a rapid pace, and 2025 promises to be no different. One area that’s already making waves is artificial intelligence (AI). From AI-driven art and content generation to the continued integration of machine learning in healthcare, 2025 will be a year where AI becomes even more ingrained in daily life. Moreover, the ongoing development of quantum computing, which holds the potential to revolutionize industries like cryptography and materials science, will likely start to make real-world progress by 2025.
Another key technological trend is the expansion of 5G networks, which will lay the groundwork for more connected devices and smarter cities. With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), devices from refrigerators to cars are expected to be even more interconnected and efficient by 2025.
- The Economy Will Continue to Be a Mixed Bag
Globally, economies will continue to be shaped by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting political dynamics. While some regions, like the U.S., may see a steady recovery post-pandemic, others might struggle with debt, unemployment, or the effects of climate change. Nevertheless, emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Africa, are expected to see steady growth, driven by digital transformation and an expanding middle class. The push for sustainability will also continue, with governments and businesses investing in green technologies and renewable energy sources. - Sports Are Going Global, and Big Leagues Are Changing
Sports continue to grow in popularity, particularly in non-traditional regions. Major League Soccer (MLS) in the U.S. and cricket in Asia are on track to see significant growth in the coming years, and the 2025 sports calendar promises major events that will attract global attention. With the continued rise of esports, it’s clear that the global sports landscape is no longer limited to traditional athletics.
Additionally, the ongoing expansion of college sports, particularly through name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights, will continue to reshape the landscape for student-athletes. As universities adjust to these changes, we’ll see new challenges emerge in collegiate athletics by 2025.
- Climate Change Will Continue to Be a Pressing Issue
There’s no doubt that climate change will be a central issue for governments, businesses, and individuals moving forward. While we know that the planet’s climate will continue to change and that natural disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and droughts will intensify, the specifics of how governments will respond are still uncertain. Some countries are moving ahead with aggressive climate policies, while others are lagging behind. What remains to be seen is how effective these efforts will be in mitigating the worst effects of climate change by 2025. - Political Landscapes Will Be Unpredictable
Politics around the world, from the U.S. to Europe and Asia, will continue to be shaped by polarization, populism, and shifting power dynamics. We can kind of predict that the political environment will remain fractured in many countries. However, whether there will be a major shift in power or a return to more centrist policies remains uncertain. Key elections in 2024, such as the U.S. presidential election, could have far-reaching implications for global politics in 2025 and beyond. - Space Exploration Will Accelerate, But So Will Competition
Space exploration is expected to hit new milestones in 2025. NASA’s Artemis mission will continue to advance the goal of returning humans to the moon, and private companies like SpaceX are pushing ahead with plans to explore Mars. What we don’t know yet is the extent to which these private ventures will reshape the space race or whether international cooperation will make meaningful progress in space exploration. Furthermore, the commercial space travel industry is poised to expand, but whether it becomes a viable option for the average person by 2025 remains to be seen.
- How the Global Health Landscape Will Evolve
The COVID-19 pandemic forever altered the global health landscape, and while vaccines have helped many countries recover, we’re still not sure how future pandemics might affect the world. Will there be new health crises in the next few years, or will global health efforts have made significant strides toward preventing pandemics? The true impact of COVID-19 on mental health and economies is still unfolding, and how these challenges will evolve in the coming years remains uncertain. - The Future of Work
Remote work and hybrid work models have already reshaped how businesses operate. However, by 2025, we don’t fully know what the workplace will look like. Will remote work continue to grow in popularity, or will businesses return to fully in-person models as the pandemic fades into history? The future of artificial intelligence and automation is also a major question—how will these technologies impact the job market and employment opportunities? - Breakthroughs in Medicine and Healthcare
While we know that healthcare will continue to advance through innovations like personalized medicine, gene editing, and telemedicine, there are still many unknowns. What breakthroughs in cancer treatment, mental health, and neurological diseases might emerge by 2025? Will we see the development of new, life-saving technologies, or will healthcare inequities continue to limit access to these advancements for some populations?
As we step into 2025, there’s a sense of anticipation about what lies ahead. While we know some things for sure—technology will continue to evolve, sports will keep growing globally, and climate change will remain an urgent issue—much of what lies ahead remains uncertain. The world is in a constant state of flux, and the next few years will likely bring both unexpected challenges and incredible opportunities. As we look to the future, we can only hope that we’ll navigate these uncertainties with resilience, creativity, and a shared commitment to progress.