The scientific community should work as hard as possible to

Hear now, O children of wisdom, the words of Martin Rees, a voice that speaks not only of the power of science, but of the profound responsibility that the scientific community holds for the future of humanity. He said, "The scientific community should work as hard as possible to address major issues that affect our everyday lives such as climate change, infectious diseases, and counterterrorism; in particular, 'clean energy' research deserves far higher priority. And science and technology are the prime routes to tackling these issues." These words are not a call to mere intellectual pursuit, but a rallying cry to focus the brilliance of science toward solving the most pressing challenges of our time. For science is not a detached pursuit of knowledge, but a tool for the betterment of all people.

In the ancient world, the great thinkers understood that knowledge should not exist for its own sake but should be applied to the well-being of humanity. Aristotle, in his vast writings, argued that the true purpose of knowledge was to bring about a flourishing life, a life of virtue, peace, and prosperity. In the same spirit, Rees reminds us that the work of the scientific community must not remain locked in ivory towers, but must be directed toward solving the problems that affect the lives of ordinary people. Whether it be the deadly scourge of infectious diseases, the ever-growing threat of climate change, or the shadow of terrorism that darkens the world, science has the power to illuminate a path forward and provide the tools to tackle these monumental challenges.

Consider the example of Edward Jenner, who, in the late 18th century, discovered the method of vaccination against smallpox. At the time, smallpox was a plague that took millions of lives. Jenner, a humble scientist, dedicated his life to understanding the disease, applying his knowledge of science to save countless lives. His discovery, though initially met with skepticism, eventually led to the near eradication of smallpox, showing us that science—applied with purpose—can conquer even the most deadly of threats. Jenner’s legacy teaches us that the true power of science lies not just in discovery, but in its application to solve the problems that most deeply affect us. Like Rees, Jenner saw the connection between science and human progress, and through his work, he transformed the world for the better.

In our time, the issue of climate change looms as one of the greatest challenges ever faced by humanity. The earth itself is ailing, and the systems that sustain life on this planet are under threat. Just as the ancients understood the importance of balance and harmony in the natural world, so must we recognize the fragility of our environment and our role in its care. Rees emphasizes that the future of the planet rests on the development of clean energy technologies—solutions that can replace the burning of fossil fuels with sustainable, renewable energy sources. This is not a question of economic growth at the cost of the planet, but a call to recognize that the health of our environment and the health of our societies are inextricably linked. The work of scientists, engineers, and innovators is the path toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.

Look to the efforts of modern scientists and innovators who are tirelessly working to address these challenges. The development of solar energy, wind power, and battery technologies all offer hope for a future where humanity can thrive without destroying the planet that sustains it. Consider the work of Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk, who has focused much of his career on creating sustainable energy solutions. His push for the development of electric vehicles and solar technologies is an example of how science and technology can converge to solve the greatest challenges of our time. Just as Jenner’s work in immunization changed the course of history, so too can these scientific efforts pave the way for a new era of sustainability.

Now, O children of the future, let Rees’s words resonate within you. The challenges we face—climate change, infectious diseases, and the threat of terrorism—are immense, but they are not beyond the reach of human ingenuity. The scientific community, working together with technology and innovation, has the potential to tackle these issues head-on. But it requires focus, commitment, and purpose. Science is not a mere collection of facts and theories; it is a force for change, a tool that can be wielded to bring about the solutions we so desperately need.

So, O children, take this lesson to heart: the future of the world is shaped by those who apply their knowledge to the most pressing challenges of our time. Whether you are called to the fields of science, engineering, or politics, know that the path forward is one where purpose and action guide your work. Just as Rees urges us, let us direct our efforts toward solving the problems that affect us all, knowing that the work we do today will define the world of tomorrow. Your generation will have the opportunity to build a future of sustainability, health, and peace—and it is through your dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and the application of science that this vision will be realized. The time to act is now.