The Pallid are semi-aquatic creatures from a high-gravity world. They have pale, slimy skin and multiple limbs ending in dexterous tentacles. The Pallid communicate through bioluminescence and are fascinated by mathematics. They live in underwater cities and rarely interact with humans.
The Shining Ones have bodies of living metal and communicate through electromagnetic pulses. They drift through space absorbing radiation from stars and have a hive mind connecting all members of their kind. The Shining Ones only interact with humans to trade precious metals and technology.
The Cetheans are methane-breathing creatures the size of whales. They live deep within the clouds of gas giants, sailing through the skies in living dirigibles. The Cetheans compose beautiful music that humans can only experience through specialized equipment. They trade art and philosophy with humans but never meet in person.
The Drax are short, furred humanoids who thrive in zero-gravity and cramped conditions. They are curious and gregarious, traveling between human stations and cities. Many Drax work as couriers, engineers, and performers.
The Xandarians are graceful humanoids with colorful feathered crests and vestigial wings. They are passionate philosophers, educators, and explorers who value knowledge, community, and beauty. Xandarians integrate well into human society and many live in mixed neighborhoods.
The Ithorians are squat, four-armed aliens skilled with technology and horticulture. They live peacefully alongside humans, maintaining hydroponic gardens and working as mechanics, programmers, and nurses. Ithorians prize harmony, hard work, and family.

In this setting, by the year 2250, humanity has solved most of the problems caused by climate change, and reversed many of its effects, though some of the effects are still visible and many people were affected by them before the situation was resolved - Australia may still be uninhabitable, for example. Most of this happened before humanity developed interstellar travel, so the aliens can't have helped with most of it. How did humanity solve climate change? What political and technological events happened in the process? How bad did things get at their worst, and which problems haven't been completely solved?

In the early 2100s, worsening natural disasters led to a global push for renewable energy and reduced emissions. After a catastrophic heat wave caused widespread crop failure and famine, world leaders implemented strict environmental regulations and invested heavily in green technology.

Breakthroughs in nuclear fusion, solar panels, and carbon sequestration allowed humanity to curb emissions and transition from fossil fuels. Reforestation efforts and engineered algae absorbed excess carbon from the atmosphere. Space-based solar panels provided limitless clean energy.

The transition was difficult, marked by economic turmoil, but coordinated global action averted the worst scenarios. Many low-lying areas and small islands were still lost to rising sea levels. Deserts expanded in some regions, and many species went extinct.

Though the climate has stabilized, increased CO2 levels caused permanent changes. Stronger storms, more extreme weather events, and altered rainfall patterns disrupt agriculture and threaten communities. Erosion threatens coastal cities, and thawing permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

Australia's outback became uninhabitable as temperatures soared and droughts intensified. Billions of people were displaced by sea level rise and crop failures before emissions were reined in. Coastal cities still require massive sea walls and pumps to prevent flooding.

Tell me more about climate change driving wild species extinct in this setting, and what humanity has and hasn't done about that.

As the climate changed, many species were unable to adapt quickly enough. Polar bears, penguins, and Arctic foxes were among the first casualties, their habitats melting away. Coral reefs bleached and died as oceans warmed, destroying ecosystems. Shifts in weather patterns disrupted bird migrations and the blooming cycles of plants, disrupting food webs.

Humanity established wildlife preserves and habitat corridors to protect biodiversity, but these efforts came too late for most large predators and many endemic species with limited ranges. Ecological niches were left empty, disrupting natural balances.

Advances in cloning and genetic engineering allowed some species to be resurrected from preserved DNA samples or bred for hardier traits. However, resurrected species often lack the genetic diversity to thrive long-term. They remain isolated in preserves, dependent on human intervention. Many ecosystems have been permanently altered.

While averting a mass extinction event, humanity was unable to save most large animals or prevent major disruptions to global food chains and natural cycles. The planet's biological fabric is now frayed and patched, lacking the resilience of that which came before. There are calls to re-wild more of the planet, limit human encroachment, and give nature room to heal so that life might blossom once more in riotous abundance.

The major cultural powers in this setting are the United States, known for its military power and technological innovations; China, known for its manufacturing; and the African Allied States, known for their work with aliens. How did the African Allied States come to be a major cultural power? What is the diplomatic situation like between the African Allied States and other countries? What is the African Allied States' government or governments like? Please also tell me a few more interesting things about them, too.

In the 2070s, amid worsening climate change, several East African nations unified to pool resources. The African Allied States (AAS) developed rapidly, investing in education, healthcare, and green technology. By opening borders and cooperating regionally, the AAS curbed overpopulation, poverty, and conflict.
The AAS maintains close ties with China and India but is wary of US influence. The AAS brokered early trade deals with several alien species, gaining access to advanced technology and jump-starting their space program. This interspecies diplomacy helped establish the AAS as an economic and cultural power.
The AAS has a decentralized government with representation from all member states. Heavy investments in infrastructure link cities across the continent via high-speed rail. Swahili, Arabic, and English are commonly spoken, with a pan-African culture blending traditions from across the region.
The AAS space program is renowned, with research centers on the Moon and Mars. Living in space or another planet is seen as an exciting challenge, not a last resort. The AAS hopes to eventually establish self-sustaining space colonies.
Poaching and habitat destruction are strictly enforced crimes in the AAS. National parks protect Africa's remaining biodiversity, while reforestation efforts are undertaken on a massive scale. The AAS leads the world in renewable energy production, with most major cities powered entirely by solar, hydro, and geothermal sources. Transportation systems are electric-powered, and single-use plastics are banned.
The culture is youthful, forward-looking, and entrepreneurial. Elders are respected, but most embrace new technology and alien cultures, hoping to build a Star Trek-inspired pan-African future.

In 2218, China is a leader in manufacturing and robotics. Chinese megacities are highly automated, with robotics handling infrastructure maintenance, delivery, and sanitation. China's aging population benefits greatly from advanced healthcare and Robot companions.

China transitioned to renewable energy in the 2130s and invested heavily in nuclear fusion. Pollution has been largely curtailed, though some coastal cities still struggle with the effects of previous ecological damage.

The Chinese government transitioned to democracy in the 2060s after widespread protests. There is still a strong central government, but citizens have more freedom and representation. A thriving middle class has emerged, improving living standards across China.Diplomatically, China maintains cordial relations with most nations but competes for influence with the US. China reclaimed Hong Kong and Taiwan, straining relationships in the region. Territorial disputes over resource-rich areas of the South China Sea caused periodic tensions before treaties split control of the region.

Culturally, China blends ancient traditions with transhumanist philosophy. Family and history are still important, but radical life extension, cybernetics, and other augmentations are embraced. The pace of change astounds older generations, while younger generations are increasingly individualistic, though they still value family and harmony. Gleaming eco-cities with skyscrapers of algae-covered panels and vertical farms are standard.

The Chinese economy powers much of the global economy, though economic competition from the AAS and India has diversified markets. With a long view of history, China is determined to remain a dominant world power even as technology and humanity evolve beyond Earth.

In this setting, India is a minor but important economic power that's allied with China and the AAS; please tell me more about it.

India transitioned from an overpopulated developing nation into a technological and economic powerhouse over the 22nd century. Like China, India invested heavily in education, renewable energy, and automation to raise standards of living while curbing pollution and overpopulation.
By 2218, most Indians live in eco-friendly arcologies, with green spaces and vertical farms eliminating the need for long distance transportation of resources. While economic inequality persists, poverty has been largely eliminated.
The Indian government is a democratic republic promoting secularism and pluralism. India's diverse population and history of conflict along religious lines led to protections for all faiths and cultures being enshrined in law.
Diplomatically, India maintains close ties with China and the AAS but is wary of Western influence. Territorial disputes with Pakistan were resolved in the 2080s, but tensions remain. India reclaimed control of Kashmir, angering Pakistan.
Culturally, India celebrates its diversity, with states maintaining autonomy over local laws and cultures. Bollywood produces virtual and augmented reality films, fusing song, dance, and the latest technologies. Yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic medicine are widely practiced for both physical and mental wellbeing.
The Indian economy is heavily focused on technology, including aerospace, robotics, biotech, and software. While manufacturing remains important, most industrial labor has been automated. Talented engineers and programmers drive innovation at major firms, though brain drain is still an issue with many seeking opportunities off-world.
India hopes to follow China's model and establish permanent space colonies, though the costs are currently prohibitive. For now, India works with China and the AAS on joint space missions and sharing resources.

By 2218, Europe is no longer a major cultural power in this setting; why?

Europe struggled to adapt to the accelerating pace of change in the 22nd century. An aging population, entrenched political divisions, and economic troubles sapped the strength and influence European nations once wielded.
As climate change intensified, European leaders failed to implement comprehensive reforms, instead squabbling over costs and responsibilities. Migration crises, droughts, and famines strained governments and fueled unrest. With limited resources and little political will for cooperation, Europe lacked the massive investments in green technology and infrastructure made by China and the AAS.
Culturally, Europe clung to increasingly irrelevant traditions and identities rather than embracing radical innovation or building a shared vision of the future. Life extension, cybernetics, and multiculturalism faced more resistance in Europe's insular societies. The cultural influence of Bollywood, Nollywood, and Chinese media eclipsed that of European cinema and arts on the global stage.
While economic conditions gradually improved and most European countries remain stable democracies, power has shifted decisively to rising nations better equipped for an era of accelerating change. European voters grew disillusioned with politics as usual and apathetic towards the idea of a shared European identity.
The notable exception is Scandinavia, which transitioned smoothly to sustainable economies and societies, with populations more receptive to new technologies and ways of living. But even there, influence lies more with alliances abroad than in fostering unity or leadership across Europe.
Having once dominated global affairs, Europe in 2218 is isolated, divided, and struggling to stay culturally and economically relevant in a world that left its nations behind.

Europe also lost a lot of its population to emigration, specifically many of its best people moving to space colonies. Tell me about that.

As conditions deteriorated in Europe, many of its most ambitious and talented citizens sought opportunities off-world. Space colonies offered adventure, better paying jobs, and escape from problems back on Earth. By the 2080s, brain drain had become a serious issue, with Europe losing scientists, engineers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to lunar and Martian colonies at an alarming rate.
The promise of radical life extension therapies, artificial gravity, and building a new society from scratch drew thrill-seekers and visionaries away from Europe's ailing nations. The open, multicultural environments of space colonies also appealed to younger generations stifled by Europe's stagnant societies.
Private space programs and colony ventures actively recruited top talent from around the world. With bigger budgets and more advanced facilities, they could offer opportunities for innovation and a higher standard of living than what most European nations could provide.
For many emigrants, leaving Earth behind gave them freedom from attachments to nationality, religion or ethnicity - allowing them to craft new identities as citizens of space. This exodus of talent and idealism further weakened Europe, making its societies appear backward-looking and parochial in comparison.
Though emigration has slowed, Europe continues to lose some of its best and brightest to the off-world colonies. Returning emigrants bring back tales of advanced societies crafting a shared destiny among the stars - highlighting what Europe might have achieved if it had faced the future with vision and daring instead of fear and division. The trickle of returnees stirs restlessness in younger Europeans craving new frontiers of possibility beyond the tired institutions and identities of the past.

South America is a relatively minor power in this setting, though its alliance with the United States strengthens it. It was hit fairly hard by the environmental trouble of the 2000s and 2100s, losing much of its biodiversity, but worked closely with the AAS to preserve as much of it as it could. It maintains fairly good relations with the AAS and by extension China and India in part because, while it's allied with the United States, it's clearly an independent region with its own culture and interests. Tell me more about what South America is like in this setting.

South America transitioned from developing economies dependent on resource extraction to diversified, sustainable societies over the 22nd century. However, the region still struggles with the legacy of past environmental mismanagement.
Mass deforestation and pollution severely damaged South America's ecology before strict environmental laws were passed. Many endemic species were lost forever, and natural landscapes remain depleted even after ambitious reforestation campaigns. Tourism promotes preservation of remaining biodiversity, with eco-lodges and guided tours educating visitors about conservation.
Most South Americans live in arcology cities, with green spaces, vertical farms, and renewable energy minimizing environmental footprints. However, isolated communities still practice subsistence farming and struggle with poverty. Economic inequality continues to fuel political tensions in some countries.
Culturally, South America celebrates its diversity, from Brazilian carnival to Andean music and beyond. Indigenous traditions are honored, though many were lost to globalization and climate change. Christianity remains influential, coexisting with new spiritual philosophies.
Governments across South America are democratic, with a strong commitment to human rights and self-determination. However, corruption still undermines civic trust in some nations. South America depends heavily on trade with the AAS, China and India but maintains an independent foreign policy separate from US interests when possible. Still, US military aid and technological expertise provide security cooperation.
Youthful, entrepreneurial populations are revitalizing economies across South America, though emigration to space colonies and other regions has led to brain drain. Returning emigrants bring global influences, new technologies and dreams of reviving forsaken parts of South American heritage. South America looks to balance openness to the future with preserving what remains of its natural and cultural legacy.

In this setting, oceanic countries were mostly devastated by rising sea levels and other effects of climate change, but a few still exist, and the citizens of some others successfully transitioned to various forms of seasteading. Tell me more about their way of life and their cultural, economic, and diplomatic place in the world.

Most island nations were swallowed by rising seas or rendered uninhabitable by worsening storms, forcing mass evacuations and emigration. A few, like New Zealand, implemented drastic environmental policies and transitioned to sustainable economies in time to survive. Seasteading communities host refugees from sunken Pacific islands, adapting aquatic architecture and renewable energy to build floating self-sufficient habitats.
Seasteads are multicultural melting pots, with residents sharing stewardship of artificial island environments. They embrace radical sustainability, recycling everything and growing food using aquaculture and hydroponics. Most seasteads function as autonomous cooperative communities, though some act as tax havens or technology testbeds.
Seastead populations are typically young, resilient and forward-looking, willing to live on the frontier of human habitation. Culturally, seasteads blend Polynesian, Micronesian and futurist influences with a strong commitment to environmentalism. Seasteads produce little traditional art or media, focusing on functional design, sustainability education, and the challenges of island life.
Most seasteads and remaining oceanic nations have good diplomatic relations with China, India and the AAS, relying on them for trade, technology exchanges and security cooperation. Tensions occasionally flare with private seastead ventures over sovereignty and resource rights. The libertarian ethos of some seasteads also leads to conflicts with nations demanding more oversight and taxation.
Economically, seasteads and surviving island nations focus on tourism, aquaculture, renewable energy production and sustainable technology. Their isolated locations suit certain medical and biotech research applications as well. While small populations limit economic power, these communities serve as models for sustainable societies that make the most of limited resources without expanding ecological footprints.

The United States is a major cultural and economic power in this setting, due to its strong military, excellent technological base, and early monopoly on the Earth's internet, which is to this day primarily written in English. It's home to many large corporations, including Sunex, the corporation that trains and equips shellpeople, who are the focus of stories told in this setting. Tell me more about the Untied States' history between 2023 and 2218, and about its current cultural, economic, and diplomatic state.

The United States endured a period of political and social turmoil in the early 2100s as climate change intensified and economic inequality worsened. However, massive investments in green technology, infrastructure, and education fueled a revival. By 2218, the US is a leader in aerospace, biotech, and renewable energy.
Culturally, the US celebrates diversity and freedom of expression. Global influences blend with distinctly American traditions like big-budget Hollywood films, fast food, and consumerism. The pace of change astounds older Americans, while youth embrace radical self-determination through life extension, cybernetics, and space colonization.
The US political system reformed to reduce partisan gridlock and expand civic participation. While deeply patriotic, younger Americans see themselves as citizens of a global, spacefaring civilization.
Economically, the US draws power from major tech and biotech firms, though manufacturing has largely automated. Most Americans live in eco-cities or suburban developments with green spaces and integrated infrastructure. Economic inequality persists but social programs provide basic necessities.
Diplomatically, the US competes with China for global influence, though relations are generally cordial. The US withdrew from foreign interventions to focus on domestic concerns but maintains the world's largest military to protect trade and space interests. Alliances with Europe and South America strengthen its position.
From 2023 to 2100, worsening disasters led to a "lost century" of societal decline. Internally divided and environmentally compromised, the US nearly collapsed. Survival demanded radical reforms - transitioning from fossil fuels, investing in education to enable a shift to sustainable economies, and cooperation on shared interests.
By 2150, the reinvigorated and reunified US emerged ready to shape the future - pushing human enhancement, founding space colonies, and branding American culture as synonymous with ambition, ingenuity and openness to possibility.

Tell me about Mexico and Canada in the year 2218 in this setting.

Mexico and Canada closely cooperated with the US over the 22nd century, though at times strained relationships emerged over resources, immigration and sovereignty.

Mexico invested heavily in education, healthcare, and sustainable infrastructure, raising standards of living while preserving cultural heritage. Most Mexicans live in arcology cities, with strong civic participation and community support systems. However, economic inequality and corruption still fuel unrest in some regions.

Culturally, Mexico celebrates vibrant arts, faith, and family traditions. Catholicism remains influential, blended with indigenous beliefs and new spiritual philosophies. Mexican media and brands gain popularity across Latin America and the US. Tourism promotes Mexico's natural beauty and history.

The Mexican government is a multiparty republic promoting social justice and human rights. Diplomatically, Mexico depends on the US for trade and security but forges alliances with Central and South American nations to counter US influence. Tensions emerge over US monopolies, immigration policy, and interventions across Latin America.

Canada adopted radical environmental and social reforms to transition to a sustainable economy and society. Strict laws protect Canada's natural landscapes and biodiversity. Most Canadians live in eco-cities with green spaces, renewable energy, and integrated infrastructure. Universal healthcare and education support high standards of living.

Culturally, Canada embraces diversity, with strong First Nations representation. Canadian culture reflects the stark beauty of the landscape in media, fashion, and architecture. Canada is a leader in environmental philosophy, biomedicine, and human enhancement.

The Canadian government is a democratic federation upholding civil liberties, environmental protection, and resource sovereignty. Diplomatically, Canada depends on US trade and military alliances but counters US influence to maintain political and economic independence when possible, forging ties with European and Pacific Rim partners. Territorial disputes over Arctic resources strain US-Canadian relations at times.

Overall, Mexico and Canada closely partnered with a reformed US while safeguarding independence. Together, the nations form an economic and security bloc that shapes development across North America. But a shared history of conflict and domination still emerges in regional politics.

Please write a timeline of humanity's accomplishments from 2020 to 2200. Write a detailed paragraph for each decade describing the major events an social and technological advances in the United States, China, the AAS, Oceania, India, Europe, and South America.

The timeline should cover humanity's struggle with climate change and eventual success at stopping it and mitigating the damage it caused, followed by the development of interstellar travel, humanity's first contact with aliens, and the colonization of space both in the form of colonies on planets in other solar systems and in the form of city-like space stations.

2020-2030: Climate change accelerates while global powers fail to act decisively. Renewable energy and green technology begin rapid advancement. The US and China compete for influence as Europe fragments. India and Africa struggle with overpopulation and pollution.

2030-2040: Climate disasters worsen as emissions rise higher than ever before. Mass migration, famines and conflicts strain societies. Breakthroughs in nuclear fusion, carbon capture, and renewable energy offer hope. China and the AAS announce 100% renewable energy targets.

2040-2050: Widespread protests and social unrest force governments to implement radical climate reforms. Strict regulations and massive investments transition economies to sustainable models just in time to avert total collapse. Reforestation efforts begin on a huge scale.

2050-2060: Having turned the tide on climate change, global powers cooperate on reforestation, green space initiatives and wildlife protections. Advancements in biotech, robotics, and transportation radically improve standards of living. China becomes a dominant economic power. The AAS invests heavily in education and infrastructure.

2060-2070: Commercial space travel enables space mining and microgravity research. Private companies establish the first long-term space habitats and lunar colonies. Advancements in computing, AI and neurotech accelerate the pace of change. China transitions to democracy after protests. The AAS unites East Africa.

2070-2080: Fusion reactors provide limitless clean energy. Robotic and cybernetic augmentation become widely available. Rapid transport links cities worldwide. Lunar and Martian colonies achieve self-sufficiency. The first generation starships launch, seeking habitable worlds.

2080-2090: Interstellar colonization accelerates space exploration. Habitats in the Kuiper belt and beyond house millions. Breakthroughs in radical life extension and cloned organ replacement achieve longevity and enhanced abilities. India and South America invest in arcology cities.

2090-2100: Established alien contact introduces humanity to the galactic community. Exchange of knowledge and technologies enable massive leaps forward. Mass emigration to space colonies and new worlds. Ubiquitous AI and automation raise questions of human purpose.

2100-2200: Humanity blossoms into a post-scarcity spacefaring civilization. Colonies across the galaxy form diverse societies. Advancements in cybernetics, virtual reality, and transcendence of biology enable radical self-determination. Earth becomes a garden world as humanity reaches for the stars.