Abstrakt
Martin Rees is a renowned astronomer who has written a number of thought-provoking books. On the Future tackles the question of humanity's future and the challenges facing it.
Unlike many other authors, Rees takes a balanced approach. While conceding that the human race has many obstacles to overcome in order to ensure its very survival, Rees discusses how the possibilities offered by ongoing modern scientific research can help.
In the Preface, he states that he writes "from a personal perspective, and in three modes: as a scientist, as a citizen, and as a worried member of the human species." Rees begins his book by noting that the challenges faced by humanity today are far more complex than those faced by humans in medieval times. He emphasizes the rapidly growing population and the possible "tipping points" that may be reached if humanity does not actively consider the consequences of human actions for the environment.
It is only by utilizing science and technology, he argues, that humanity can survive in the future.