ABSTRACT
The intrinsic goal of science is the gaining of knowledge. There is a growing conviction that drastic changes will be required in order to cope with the present situation and avoid major catastrophes. These changes may affect lifestyles, standards of living, traditions, political and economic institutions, international relations. There is a need for continuous, well-organized, consistent, institutionalized efforts if the ultimate destruction of the organic surface of our planet by overpopulation, environmental degradation and wars is to be avoided. International, interdisciplinary task forces should be set up by the community of national academies of sciences and equivalent national societies. Task forces could take stock of the situation in various fields, of the existing trends and the probable consequences if no appropriate action is taken to change the course of events. This could result in different scenarios based on various assumptions.
