Can we safely store nuclear waste? What are the prospects for a world devoid of human presence? How can technology reduce human impacts on the environment?

Imagineering the Human Future

These are just some of the questions under scrutiny at ‘Imagineering the Human Future’, a series of special events as part of this year’s Glasgow Science Festival, sponsored by the University of Glasgow Chancellor’s Fund.

The free events will invite audiences to consider the future through talks, debate and film.

Highlights

The series includes a screening of documentary ‘Into Eternity’, which explores the ONKALO site in Finland, a huge system of underground tunnels designed to store nuclear waste for 100,000 years.

American author and environmental policy expert Michael Shellenberger will lead a discussion on how humankind’s negative environmental impacts could peak and decline by the mid-century, through urbanisation, energy and technology.

Professor Carl Lavery from the University of Glasgow’s School of Culture and Creative Arts will discuss Heiner Goebbels’ ‘Stifters Dinge’, a theatre piece performed entirely with pre-recorded voices and skeleton pianos playing themselves. Does this set a precedent for the future?  Are robots set to replace humans?

Envelope of possibilities

Professor Colin McInnes from the School of Engineering is the lead organiser.

He said: "Through our events we hope to engage our audience in a conversation about the human future in its broadest sense - exploring the rich and complex interactions between human society, culture and values and the envelope of possibilities which technology offers." 

All events are free but ticketed:

Prosperity and More Room for Nature by 2050
10 June, 18:00-20:00, James Watt South Building
Book online

The Future of Weather
14 June, 18:00-20:00, Andrew Stewart Cinema
Book online

Into Eternity
16 June, 18:00-20:00, Andrew Stewart Cinema
Book online

More about the Glasgow Science Festival

Glasgow Science Festival runs from 9-19 June. For more information visit Glasgow Science Festival 


First published: 1 June 2016

<< June