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About the lecture

The problem of global warming is now widely known about. There are 12 megaproblems, like global warming, which must be urgently dealt with. All of these have potential solutions, but most of them are largely ignored. It is desirable to set targets so that we can measure the progression towards solutions. If we deal with these megaproblems in time, the 21^st century could bring a magnificent future.

About the film - The meaning of the 21st century

A film by Dr James Martin, narrated by Michael Douglas

We are at an extraordinary crossroads of human history. Our actions, or failure to act, during the next 20 years will determine the fate of the Earth and human civilization for centuries to come. This is a make-or-break century. Humanity’s demands for affluence are growing rapidly, and there are massive problems in the decades ahead. The public is aware of some of the effects of global warming and climate change, but there are many other megaproblems, some more dangerous or debilitating.

The good news is that there are solutions. If we are able to make the planet work, as shown in this film, we face a magnificent future. If we fail, we could be headed for a new Dark Age. This film portrays a realistic assessment of how we can deal with the problems of the 21st century. 

Shot in High Definition, it shows outstanding scenes of natural beauty and environmental challenges. Innovative in its approach, the film prompts its audience to think about how cooperation around the world and exciting technologies are providing answers. Whether the future is bleak or filled with unimaginable opportunity, depends upon education and political will.

First with his book, and now with this film, James Martin rallies today’s young people to be given the confidence to transform their lifestyles, the environment and Homo sapiens itself. He inspires us with visions of extraordinary futures and civilizations more magnificent than anything yet conceived. But we must learn to understand this century and play its complex game. We must develop the political will to transform our world rather than wreck it.

Young people everywhere need charts of the worldscape ahead. They, collectively, will be responsible for the greatest transition in human history.

The speaker | Dr James Martin

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.

History of the Turing lecture

 The all-pervasive nature of the general-purpose computer has made the most profound mark on almost every aspect of our lives. The central seminal figure in this computer revolution was Alan Turing, whose outstanding originality and vision made it possible, in work originating in the mid 1930s. Although it is now hard to see what the limits of the computer revolution might eventually be, it was Turing himself who pointed out to us the very existence of such theoretical limitations.

In honour and recognition of Turing's contribution in the field of computing, the IET and BCS established the Turing Lecture with the first lecture being presented in 1999.  It is intended to be a leading event, presenting a topic from current research in computer science given by an acknowledged expert in the field.  

The content of the lecture is published in the BCS’s Computer Journal.  The lecture in general is intended to attract significant audiences from the academic and industrial research/development sectors.  As such, the lecture should be accessible to a somewhat wider audience than those involved in the specific field of academic research.  The IET and BCS jointly handle the promotion and administration of the lecture.

James Martin’s lecture represents the 10^th lecture in the series

The past Turing lectures:

IET London Local Network event

The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s London Local Network would like to invite all guests to join them for a complimentary glass of wine in the Common and Lancaster Rooms at the conclusion of the lecture. The informal networking evening will continue in the Kelvin Bar, where light snacks and drinks may be purchased, once dinner guests have been called to the Riverside Room. Both Institution members and non-members are welcome to attend this event, so please indicate your attendance on the registration form.