Hmm, yes, one bomb to rule them all, eh? Only if it's wrapped in cobalt and popped off California.
I don't actually see any catastrophe happening in the near future *gasp*. It all depends... the new threat of terrorism, who reacts and how they do, that will determine a lot. If terrorism can be stamped out, soon, we have a real chance at overall improved diplomacy between nations. However, I doubt this can ever truly happen, there will always be those who wish to revolt.
Energy wise, I think the next big thing is an improved battery. We've had the same desgin since, like, forever, with incremental improvements only. If a breakthrough technology in energy storing were to be discovered, I'd anticipate that current alternative methods like solar and hydro would be somewaht more effective. The next step after that, IMO, would be fusion plants, or radiant energy beamed from groups of solar panels nearer to the Sun than Earth. Either of those would really solve things.
And after that, a lot falls into place- decreased need for oil with more energy for better cars, so less focus on Middle East squabbles. More energy leads to better geriactics, hydroponics, and medical research, so the poorer areas of Africa and Asia will be brought up to speed.
Politics? The US is always hard to predict due to volatility, but I think Europe is declining as a world power, although population density will mean they will remain important. Asia and Africa will be developed, although likely at the cost of some degree of Westernization of their native cultures.
And, uh, sports... basketball will have a precipitous fall as the NBA disintegrates, and soccer will enjoy a brief stint as the world's most popular sport before being supplanted by football.