News
Astronomer Royal to highlight the dangers and opportunities ahead
23 Feb 2009
The 21st Century School's first Distinguished Public Lecture of 2009 will take place today, Monday 23 February, at 5pm.
Lord Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society, and author of the claim that "the odds are no better than 50/50 that our present civilisation will survive to the end of the present century" will be speaking in Oxford's newly restored Sheldonian Theatre.
By 2050, growing populations will engender major global tensions unless new and appropriate technologies are urgently adopted. Rising demands for energy, food and water could irreversibly degrade the Earths' biosphere. Yet, scientific understanding will have been greatly enhanced. Individuals will be increasingly empowered by technology that potentially offers huge benefits, while posing novel ethical dilemmas.
With world population predicted to reach 9.2 billion by 2050 and science quickly becoming a truly global culture, Lord Rees' lecture will address the dangers and opportunities we face in the 21st century.
The event is free and open to the public. Tickets will be available at the door.