On the future : prospects for humanity / Martin Rees.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Rees, Martin J., 1942- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Technology--Social aspects.

Technology.

Science--Social aspects.

Science.

Social prediction.

Genre:

Nonfiction.

Physical Description:

viii, 256 pages ; 19 cm

Place of Publication:

Princeton, NJ : Princeton University Press, 2018.

Summary:

"Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes--good and bad--are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees argues that humanity's prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow. The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence--if pursued and applied wisely--could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no "Plan B" for Earth--no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet. Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond."-- Provided by publisher.

Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes are possible, yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. Rees argues that the future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. -- adapted from publisher info

Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes--good and bad--are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees argues that humanity's prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow. The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence--if pursued and applied wisely--could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no "Plan B" for Earth--no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet. Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond.

Contents:

Deep in the Anthropocene

Humanity's future on Earth

Humanity in a cosmic perspective

The limits and future of science

Conclusions.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-235) and index.

ISBN:

069118044X

9780691180441

9780691184401

0691184402

OCLC:

1028209978