For optimists anxious to see an unrecognizable tomorrow, these pipedreams are as real a challenge as oil production, renewable energy, healthcare and the like, deserving of the same level of attention. A cursory glance at a few of these encouraging lines of thought is all it takes to get excited about the technologies of the future and maybe even, god forbid, reinstate a minute level of hope in our ability to tackle world issues.
Fusion energy
Fusion energy is a departure from all current forms of energy production, and promises to lead to cleaner, more efficient and abundant energy production. Various reactions and reactor designs are being developed and involve different forms of fuel, but the general principle is the fusing of hydrogen atoms into larger atoms that, because of the whimsical nature of the universe, give off energy. Unlike fission energy, used in modern nuclear reactors, the radioactive hazards of fusion are fewer and the process is so delicate that fears of "renegade explosions destroying Earth" are just humorous.
Quantum computing
The astonishing abilities theorized for a quantum computer, one being its ability to break many of today's important encryption algorithms, make it difficult to believe the end of this road is a dead end. Amongt the most radical visions for the future of computers, the uncertainty of this field is precisely why we should be more interested and financially willing to push for greater exposure and funding.
Space exploration
Time and time again we see the benefits of space exploration seep down to terrestrial lives, kidney dialysis machines and water purification being just two. Unfortunately, both political parties have indicated they're interest at more "pragmatic" concerns at the expense of the big dreaming, and unpredictable, projects that drive unexpected innovation. Space exploration should instead be accelerated, remain near the top of the list for generations to come while we see our continued efforts in that vast space continuing to return on its investment.