Photography courtesy of Washington University
Dr. Peter Raven has championed the environment since the 1960s. He oversaw the Missouri Botanical Garden as director for 40 years, until his retirement in 2011, and now serves as president emeritus. Time magazine recognized him as a "Hero for the Planet." He also writes science textbooks, serves on the board of the National Geographic Society, and earned the National Medal of Science in 2000.
Alongside Dr. William Powderly and Dr. Holden Thorp, Raven was on hand last night for a panel at Washington University titled "Innovation and Infinite Possibilities in the 21st Century." The panel focused on the region's future opportunities in public health, education, and climate change.
During his 30-minute speech, Raven highlighted facts that earned gasps from the audience:
• At the current growth rate, the world's population is estimated to be 11 billion by the end of the century.
• One hundred million people worldwide are currently facing starvation.
• In the 1970s, the planet was using 70 percent of the Earth's efficiency. Today, we use 150 percent of the planet's efficiency.
• There are an estimated 12 million species on Earth, though science can only account for 1.9 million of them.
"We're facing enormous challenges right now, and to overcome them, we have to be as smart as we possibly can be," Raven said. "St. Louis, Washington University, and all the residents in this area are in a position to make a great contribution there."
Raven credits the region's abundance of scientists as an advantage. Still, he added, there are plenty of hurdles when it comes to creating alternative energy production, as well as trash and recycling programs. "We have a lot of problems with our subdivision, but we have intentions in that direction," he says. "We really could be a model and not only produce a better place for ourselves, but for other people to emulate."
Now in his late 70s, Raven spoke with great urgency. He seemed certain there will be positive changes regarding biodiversity and climate change.
So exactly how should we approach the challenges that lie ahead? Raven quoted Wendy's advice to her brother Michael about how to fly in Peter Pan: "Think lovelier thoughts."
