The rapidly merging fields of science and technology will allow scientists to discover and even remedy, may I say reverse, some of man’s ecological footprint and provide hope for future generations here on Earth.

Science, especially in the areas of biology, medicine and genetics, holds great hope for mankind as its history has already shown. But challenges of a growing worldwide population will require new discoveries from new contributors to meet present and future sustainability conditions.

Our planet is one large ecosystem that scientists have yet to fully understand how all its elements interrelate and affect one another. Will the use of one chemical or base DNA alteration induce higher crop yields or resistance to microorganisms affect future species that may be essential in a bio-lifecycle we are all dependent upon? How many pieces of our planet’s chemistry storeroom are we allowed to play with without putting back before we see a point of no return? Is automation and the replacement of human labor the most sustainable formula moving forward, or will we find out that the net carbon footprint of human labor is lower than machine automation long term?

Powerful super-computers today with equally intelligent software code will aid in simulations before scientists pull the lever on real experiments – thus predicting outcomes with more accuracy and speed than has ever been accomplished. So there is hope, as natural resources become more limited, science will be able to create a buffer to extend the goal line, but what drives all decisions to do the experiments and to use the powerful tools is people. People must explore on their own what it means to all coexist fairly and equitably amongst each other and the environment, as helping your brother or sister is really helping yourself, your progeny and mankind in the long term.