You will own nothing and you will be happy…Really?
There has been much talk of late here in the Shuswap about the “Land Grab” happening on the North Shore. Could that really be what is going on? An article published in the World Economic Forum written by Danish MP, Ida Auken states, “ I own nothing, have no privacy and life has never been better.” See her full article here: Welcome to 2030. I own nothing, have no privacy, and life has never been better | by World Economic Forum | World Economic Forum | Medium
In November of 2016, the WEF published “8 Predictions for the world in 2030”. While they make it sound quite idyllic, there is a very dark side to what is predicted. If what we currently see happening in the world is any indication, the outlook for the planet in 2030 is more than a forecast. It is unfolding before our eyes with increasing speed.
The eight Predictions are:
- People will own nothing, including land. Goods are either free or must be rented from the state.
2. The US will no longer be the leading super power, but a handful of countries will dominate.
3. Organs will not be transplanted, they will be printed instead.
4. Meat consumption will be very limited, for the good of the planet of course.
5. A massive displacement of billions of refugees will change the demographic makeup of countries.
6. A global price will be placed on carbon emissions and it will be very high.
7. Regular people will be able to explore Mars.
8. Western values will be tested to the breaking point.
See the promotional video here: (100) 8 predictions for the world in 2030 – YouTube
The question is, how exactly will this transfer of land take place? Burning homes down and making communities unlivable for extended periods of time will definitely drive down property values. How long can people afford to pay mortgages on a dwelling that is no longer there? People are being told their insurance payout could take years. Currently there are at least five other mechanisms in place to take property out of the hands of the populace including but not limited to: interest rates, insurance rates, building codes, 0 net carbon footprint of dwellings and property taxes.
Most of us know someone whose mortgage or line of credit payments have at almost doubled in the past year. Every time there is an increase in the prime interest rate another segment of the population can no longer afford to own a home.
Insurance rates are increasing exponentially. Fire and flood insurance on homes in prone areas are seeing increases of 50% and more. Loss of income coverage for businesses affected by natural disasters or “acts of God”, is extremely difficult to get and prohibitively expensive when you do. Since insurance companies have been “slammed” with claims they are struggling to process them in a timely fashion.
New building codes are now being discussed in BC which would make buildings less flammable and more flood resistant. Enhancement of codes will no doubt increase the already high price of building. Bringing older homes and commercial buildings up to code to meet insurance requirements is yet another obstacle to affordability.
One of the World Economic Forums sustainable development goals for Agenda 2030 is for each dwelling to have a net zero carbon footprint. Some European countries are looking at implementing this SDG in the near future. It is estimated the average cost of retrofitting a house with the necessary zero carbon systems will be approximately E 100,000, converted to CDN you’re looking at just under $150,000. How many of us can afford that?
Property tax mil rates may not be increasing but property values are rising in most jurisdictions in Canada. This is yet another burden for already taxed home owners especially those on fixed incomes.
How many people have to lose their homes or be completely shut out of the real estate market before these policies are eliminated?
CB
