The Earth’s Bright Future
an article by Beth Pearce
The history of human progress in this world is remarkable. Our successful development of complex societies and technologies is impressive, but has it been entirely positive? The legacy of human progress and development has left an indelible mark on our planet, and this negative consequence now threatens the very future of the Earth. The increase we now see in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere is caused by an increase in lethal carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Some assert that this climate change is an inherent quality in the natural evolution of the planet, but most agree that human behavior is largely to blame.
An unlikely source has emerged to combat this problem by offering incentive for others to develop technology to save the planet. British adventurer, businessman, airline tycoon, media mogul Sir Richard Branson has launched The Virgin Earth Challenge, offering a $25 million reward to the scientist (or group of scientists) that develops the technology to remove carbon dioxide from the earth’s atmosphere. In competing for the largest ever science and technology prize in history, our world’s greatest inventors and innovators will not only be financially rewarded, but will potentially save the planet. Sir Richard Branson is trying to ensure that the tremendous achievements of human society are also good for the environment.
Our modern civilization has the capacity for great technological innovation, yet we have not generated a way to turn back the tide of global warming. Scientists who devote their careers to developing technologies that will benefit the future of our planet should be rewarded; that is what this challenge aims to do. It is an important step that may shift the priorities of our brightest minds to the preservation of our planet. Sir Richard Branson believes that, “the winner of The Virgin Earth Challenge will help to reverse the collision course our beautiful world is currently on. They will not only make history but preserve history for many, many generations to come”.
For more information, please visit www.virginearth.com.
Question(s) related to this article:
Despite the vested interests of companies and governments, Can we make progress toward sustainable development?
* * * * *
Latest reader comment:
It's been a year since I wrote the above remarks about the failure of the nation states to address the problem of global warming, and it seems that nothing has changed. Here is the statement from leading environmental NGOs about the latest international conference on the environment being held in Warsaw, Poland.
The following international NGOs signed the statement:
Aksyon Klima Pilipinas
Bolivian Platform on Climate Change
Construyendo Puentes (Latin America)
Friends of the Earth (Europe)
International Trade Union Confederation
Pan African Climate Justice Alliance
Peoples’ Movement on Climate Change (Philippines)
World Wildlife Fund
This report was posted on March 13, 2007.
If you wish to start a new discussion topic on this article, you need to register and log in. Then please copy the title of this article which is The Earth’s Bright Future and its number which is 313 and enter this information along with your discussion question and an introductory response to the question here.
A few stories are retained on the main listings if they are considered by readers to be a priority. If you have not already done so, please take the time to check a box below: should this article be considered as a priority?