William S.
Univ. of Western Ontario, London, Ont., Canada
Abstract
There is a great and urgent question for all scientists. Can our planet
support ten billion humans with a high quality of life for all? Will our present
technologies allow a positive future for future generations on long time scales?
Our life support systems require
- adequate clear water,
- an adequate supply of nutritious food (which depends on soil quality, water,
biodiversity and climate stability).
We must understand - the impact (local, global) of natural changes (such as
volcanism, ice ages, seismic activity, etc.).
We require - new energy technologies (dominated by solar and geothermal sources)
as well as - new technologies to supply our material needs without destruction
of the continental land surface and environment.
We must develop new teams which integrate all knowledge and those teams must
include politicians and economists who consider future generations. There is
urgent need for new educational systems for all people of all ages. All
scientists must work to leave our planet in better condition than when they
arrived. Was Linnaeus correct when he called us homo sapiens?