Although 2050 is still a ways away, researchers are predicting what the future might look like,

from the wacky, to the alarming.

Our world might look physically different.

Especially if the effects of climate change match what current models predict.

Sea levels are expected to rise about one to two feet along the US coast,

while some coral reefs might die off if bleaching episodes get worse.

On land, we might have to deal with more frequent, larger wildfires.

As more people live longer, the global population is set to hit 9. 8 billion by 2050.

And more people are expected to use more natural resources.

One group predicts we 'll use over 110 billion tonnes more by mid century, about a 70 % increase.

But all those people might end up living most of their lives in a simulated world.

Futurist Ian Pearson told Business Insider technological advances might allow us to plug our brains into computers

and live in a virtual reality.

We might also add a layer of digital intelligence to our brains,

something Tesla CEO Elon Musk is already looking into.