Dr. Jane Lubchenco, a marine ecologist from Oregon State
University, has been elected to many scientific honors, one of
which was the presidency of the American Academy for the
Advancement of Science. For her presidential address at the AAAS
annual meeting, she looked straight out at the huge assembly of
scientists and delivered an unapologetic, undiluted warning:
“During the last few decades, humans have emerged as a new force
of nature. We are modifying physical, chemical, and biological
systems in new ways, at faster rates, and over larger spatial
scales than ever recorded on Earth. Humans have unwittingly
embarked upon a grand experiment with our planet. The outcome of
this experiment is unknown, but has profound implications for
all of life.” What responsibility do scientists have, she asked,
both to transmit this message and to help deal with the problem?
Actually scientists, and others, have been transmitting similar
messages lately with clarity and urgency. Here are just a few
excerpts, from a long an