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005 20190910012022.0
008 191104s2018 nju g b 001 0 eng c
010 $a2018935643
020 $a069118044X (hbk.)
020 $a9780691180441 (hbk.) :$cUSD18.95
020 $z9780691184401 (electronic book)
035 $a(DLC)2018935643
035 $a(DLC)20366640
035 $a(OCoLC)on1028209978
035 $a20366640
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042 $apcc
050 00$aHM221$b.R44 2018
082 04$a303.48/3$223
100 1 $aRees, Martin J.,$d1942-
245 10$aOn the future :$bprospects for humanity /$cMartin Rees.
260 $aPrinceton, New Jersey :$bPrinceton University Press,$cc2018.
300 $aviii, 256 p. ;$c20 cm.
504 $aIncludes bibliographical references (p. [229]-235) and index.
505 00$tIntroduction --$g. 1.$tDeep in the Anthropocene --$tPerils and prospects --$tNuclear threats --$tEco-threats and tipping points --$tStaying within planetary boundaries --$tClimate change --$tClean-energy - and a 'Plan B'? --$g2.$tHumanity's future on Earth --$tBiotech --$tCybertechnology, robotics, and AI --$tWhat about our jobs? --$tHuman-level intelligence? --$tTruly existential risks? --$g3.$tHumanity in a cosmic perspective --$tThe Earth in a cosmic context --$tBeyond our solar system --$tSpaceflight - Manned and unmanned --$tTowards a post-human era? --$tAlien intelligence? --$g4.$tThe limits and future of science --$tFrom the simple to the complex --$tMaking sense of our complex world --$tHow far does physical reality extend? --$tWill science 'hit the buffers'? --$tWhat about God? --$tConclusions --$tDoing science --$tScience in society --$tShared hopes and fears.
520 $a"Humanity has reached a critical moment. Our world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes--good and bad--are possible. Yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. In this short, exhilarating book, renowned scientist and bestselling author Martin Rees argues that humanity's prospects depend on our taking a very different approach to planning for tomorrow. The future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. If we are to use science to solve our problems while avoiding its dystopian risks, we must think rationally, globally, collectively, and optimistically about the long term. Advances in biotechnology, cybertechnology, robotics, and artificial intelligence--if pursued and applied wisely--could empower us to boost the developing and developed world and overcome the threats humanity faces on Earth, from climate change to nuclear war. At the same time, further advances in space science will allow humans to explore the solar system and beyond with robots and AI. But there is no "Plan B" for Earth--no viable alternative within reach if we do not care for our home planet. Rich with fascinating insights into cutting-edge science and technology, this accessible book will captivate anyone who wants to understand the critical issues that will define the future of humanity on Earth and beyond."--$cProvided by publisher.
520 $aOur world is unsettled and rapidly changing, and we face existential risks over the next century. Various outcomes are possible, yet our approach to the future is characterized by short-term thinking, polarizing debates, alarmist rhetoric, and pessimism. Rees argues that the future of humanity is bound to the future of science and hinges on how successfully we harness technological advances to address our challenges. -- adapted from publisher info
650 0$aFuture, The.
650 0$aScience$xSocial aspects.
650 0$aSocial prediction.
650 0$aTechnology$xSocial aspects.
650 0$aTwenty-first century$xForecasts.