Target Earth: the Next 20 Years

At a crossroads of human history, our actions during the next 20 years will determine the face of the Earth for centuries to come. We all face massive problems in the decades ahead. The good news is that innovative thinking, exciting new technologies, and global co-operation can provide a way forward. So what are the critical issues - and what do we need to do about them? IET Turing Lecturer 2008 Dr James Martin explains his vision for mankind’s survival.

Dr James Martin founded the James Martin Institute for Science and Civilization at the University of Oxford, and then the extraordinary 21st Century School at that University. He is also a Senior Fellow of the James Martin Center for Non-Proliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute in California. Martin is a Pulitzer nominee for his book The Wired Society. He has written 103 major textbooks – more than any other living person. Many have been seminal in their field. His latest book, published in 2006, is The Meaning of the 21st Century is now being made into a major film. In addition to a D.Litt from the University of Oxford, Martin has honorary doctorates from all six continents. He is renowned as a riveting lecturer. Martin is a social entrepreneur in the fields of education, technology and international development. He founded James Martin Associates in London, and the company quickly became global. A follow-on company, James Martin and Co., is now called Headstrong, develops ultra-complex systems for corporations, worldwide. Martin was a member of the software Scientific Advisory Board of the U.S. Department of Defense. He was ranked 4th in Computer World’s 25th Anniversary Edition’s most influential people in computer technology.