The world we created? : Risking our environment

22 April 2004

Scientific and technological advances are, by their very nature, risky. Experimentation is an investigation of the unknown. Without taking risks, some of the things we take for granted in today's society - such as antibiotics or pesticides - would not have been possible. But has a fear of the unknown become a major barrier for future developments?

This question will be debated at a 'Soapbox Supper' organised by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), on Wednesday 28 April at Newbury Racecourse in Berkshire.

Helene Guldberg, Managing Editor of the online publication spiked and an associate lecturer with the Open University, will be putting forward her views on why we shouldn't be scared of taking risks. She says, "Adopting the 'better safe than sorry' principle will not make us any safer, but could make us very sorry indeed."

Tony Juniper, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, disagrees. He will state the case for managing risks within a framework for the good of the whole planet. "The world isn't like it is now because of an accident," he says. "People have made it like it is. We need to carefully manage any future risks we take with the fragile resources we still have."

The Soapbox Supper is a free event for anyone who wants to come along, It kicks off at 6.30pm with the debate, followed by wine and canapés at 8.30pm.

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. Risking our environment - a soapbox debate to be held at Newbury Racecourse, Newbury, Berkshire. Anyone who wants to attend should register by telephoning 020 8542 7622 or by e-mail to NERC@vistaevents.co.uk

2. Interviews with Helene Guldberg or Tony Juniper can be arranged through the NERC Press Office.

3. NERC is one of the UK's research councils. It uses a budget of about £300m a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. It is addressing some of the key questions facing mankind such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.

NERC also has a duty to be accountable to the main funders of science - the tax payers. It is committed to making its work and achievements in environmental science accessible to wide audiences. NERC wants to engage people in debate and dialogue about environmental issues that concern them.

Press release: 10/04

The world we created? : Risking our environment

Press links

Recent press news