By 2050, an estimated 10 billion people will live on earth. How are we going to provide everybody with basic needs while also avoiding the worst impacts of climate change? In a talk packed with wit and wisdom, science journalist Charles C. Mann breaks down the proposed solutions and finds that the answers fall into two camps -- wizards and prophets -- while offering his own take on the best path to survival.

Charles C. Mann: How will we survive when the population hits 10 billion?

How will we survive when the population hits 10 billion?

Population outbreaks in nature often end disastrously; humans must innovate or face the edge of our 'petri dish' by 2050.

Future survival hinges on two visions: 'Wizards' embracing technology for abundance versus 'Prophets' advocating for conservation.

Bridging the divide between 'Wizards' and 'Prophets' could forge a sustainable path for humanity in a world of 10 billion.

*The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and Their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World Hardcover*

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climate change

environment

global issues

science

sustainability

technology

social change

nature

future

society

Anthropocene

TED Stage Talk