So, here we are, today. We’ve done well. We’re a great success as a species. What next? Obviously, there must be other concerns – and there are some biggies staring us in the face – and others hovering on the horizon. For example, a large proportion of us enjoy longer lives due to proper nutrition and health care – and we can almost depend on current generations living if not longer lifespans, then at least healthier and more active lives prior to a decline into frail old age. These are great achievements, yet enormous issues exist around emerging genetic and bio-technologies that threaten not only our right to privacy but potentially challenge the idea of what it means to be human. What would happen, say, if your employer demanded that you take a certain drug to make you more productive? Or your pay rise was dependent upon your acceptance of bio-mechanical modifications? While this may sound like science-fiction, legislation already exists in some countries to protect individuals from medical insurance companies prying into your genetic code to determine if you have the potential for acquiring a disease later in life that requires expensive treatment – and denying insurance on this basis. On another front, pharmaceutical companies are taking large orders from governments for the military use of performance enhancing drugs such as Modofinil, which enable pilots to stay alert during long shifts of duty. These same types of drugs are being prescribed for industrial shift workers.

Furthermore, it’s all too true that today’s news is filled with articles about the expanding human population and growth of industrialised economies which are causing a drain on the Earth’s ability to sustain us. We have become dependent upon oil and natural gas – and eventually when these run low and become hugely expensive, how will we heat our homes and drive our industries? Is nuclear power technology as it stands now a sustainable and environmentally viable option for the future? What is the real potential for alternative energy sources?

This list could go on for a while.

So, why bother with an understanding of science? Well, while it’s clear that we can’t pass on our best, most important knowledge in the same way as our ancient relatives did – there’s just too much to know – it does appear that each of us in our small and individual way must take up the responsibility of understanding what we can in order to help forge a future for those who come after us.

For more information

Scientists For Global Responsibility
http://www.sgr.org.uk/

National Science Foundation
http://www.nsf.gov/