Letters: Science matters now more than ever

Science matters more than ever now that we face existential threats from nuclear proliferation, climate change, potential use of pathogens as weapons and artificial intelligence — all of which are, interestingly, products of science.

In order for the life, physical and social sciences to help advance our goals, we must know how to apply them. That involves asking the right questions. As a start, I suggest, “How can we thrive as a species on this planet?” This would lead to many more detailed questions, such as how best to defuse conflicts, mitigate effects of climate change, build resilience into our food supplies, develop safe alternative energy sources, accommodate an exploding population, prevent harmful genetic manipulation and incorporate limits to automation in order to protect human interests.

These questions are not purely academic. They are, I am convinced, critical to our well-being, here and now. We all play a role in guiding our collective future.