Concluding Remarks Robert H. Socolow

1. Concluding RemarksRobert H. Socolow Destiny Studies for a Small Planet Princeton University April 15, 2019

2. The six conversations Nuclear power Developing countries Planetary norms Humans in nature Climate science Low-carbon Technology

3. We did not discuss: Interactions among the conversations(for my next celebration) Nuclear power Developing countries “smart cities” Nuclear plants as war targets Planetary norms Humans in nature Planet-scale engineering Climate science Low-carbon Technology

4. We did not discuss:Population. Re-engaging with nature. “The good life.” Three environmentally significant planetary norms may be malleable: • The desired number of children. Less than two kids per mom, on average, for generations, would produce a slow descent of the total human population. From 2300, today’s population would look like a temporary overshoot. • The desired detachment from nature. Can we bring back the clothesline? People washed clothes on sunny days. A world dominated by variable renewables will work better if people can again accept some dependence on nature, e.g., life-style adjustments during stretches of windless or cloudy days. • The dominance of the bucket list. My goal at 20 was to travel everywhere. I did a good job and loved it. It makes me an awful spokesperson for the low-consumption lifestyle. But some redefinition of “the good life” would reduce the relentless pressures on Earth-scale systems.

5. We did not discuss: CRISPR and planet-scale engineering (imminent?). CRISPR and geoengineering have much in common: • Gene editing and planet editing. Finely tuned interventions. • Same objective: Enhancement for human benefit. • Same push for action with only partial understanding. Can we learn safely? • Same concern for effective governance. Rogue states and individuals. • Anthropocentricity on steroids. We’re altering every crop and even “humanizing” the pig with our organs. How many ecosystems will we shut down as we eliminate extreme-weather ecological niches (hot, cold, wet, dry)? • Overlap: Use CRISPR on soil bacteria to reduce N2O and CH4 emissions.

6. We did not discuss: Human continuity. Destiny Studies is about our collective future. Some will argue that it is fine that we are simply “passing through,” with no more than a century or two to go. From a species-neutral perspective, we humans would be ending our assault on so many other creatures. My own belief is that our lives are part of a very long-term, multi-generational project of self-awareness. We may be the only species in the universe who is asking why we are here. We have an obligation to assure that our descendants not only exist, but thrive.

7. We did not discuss:Teaching and learning. From third grade through college, at least twice, add this to the curriculum: Why doesn’t the Earth get hotter and hotter as it is warmed by the Sun? Within a decade, questions like this one will be on the SATs. And most universities will have a Program in Destiny Studies.

8. 34 +16 3200 10 Images for the classroom one day 8 Wind CO2 flows (GtCO2/yr) Individual emissions CO2pipelines Carbon budgets, temperature targets

9. Patient Earth, again Patient Earth. What did John Harte and I have in mind when we chose this title? • The planet is hurting. It has been compromised by our actions. It needs our attention. • We have some time. There are options that we can develop and improve. Yes, sick, but not on its deathbed. No “game over.” I insisted that there be leaves on the tree on the cover of the paperback. The publisher originally had none.

10. My thanks begin by looking back My parents, thriving in liberal Jewish New York. The Great Books and high culture. Progressive schools. Explicit ethics studies. Transnational loyalty. We sang not only the Star Spangled Banner, but also United Nations on the March: Chorus: United Nations on the march with flags unfurled, together fight for victory, a free new world. A remarkable travel fellowship after college (the Sheldon, 1959-60), spent in the Soviet Union, Asia, and Africa. Environmentalism Round One (1969 - 80): Science for the People, Limits to Growth, the Land Ethic, energy efficiency.

11. Thank you • My mentors: Ed Purcell, Harvey Brooks, Murray Gell-Mann, Marc Ross, Murph Goldberger, George Reynolds, Irv Glassman. (Only Irv is still with us.) I have tried and will continue to try to help others listening to a different drummer, as you helped me. • My colleagues and those I have mentored and taught: The turnout today is testament to the depth of connection established in academia when people work together, unfettered by the agendas of others, on the world’s most vexing problems. • In memoriam: Ted Taylor, David Harrje, Margaret Fels, Ari Rabl, Harvey Lam.

12. Thank you Five academic units supported this celebration: their logos are below. I am happy that you were welcomed this morning by both Lynn Loo (Andlinger Center) and Mike Celia (Princeton Environmental Institute). I work in both campus units and help link them. Thank you, Howard Stone and a half-century of colleagues in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, for providing such a friendly home for someone never enchanted by airplanes or rockets. Thank you, Emily Carter, for affirming the mission of social involvement for the Engineering School and inventing the “distillate” project that I have so enjoyed. Thank you, Melissa Lane, for your omnivorous appetite for intellectual engagement and for co-inventing and fostering the Climate Futures Initiative.

13. Thank you Those who enhanced the celebration last night: Composer, Andrew Lovett, and seven Princeton musicians. Forrest Meggers, archivist and architect. Toastmaster Steve Pacala, and the toast-makers. Every speaker today: “Conversations” are not your usual assignment. They required much extra effort. You found the time. Every attendee: Many of you came from afar, including Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangalore, London, Turin, and Piacenza. Many others stole time from compelling activities right here in this wonderful institution.

14. Thank you • My personal assistants, spanned by Jean Wiggs(1971-?, here today!) and Caitlin Daley. Caitlin: today’s success is due to you. • My PEI support system, called “staff” because they prevent your falling down: • Raj Chokshi, Stacey Christian, Kristina Corvin, Kathy Hackett, Morgan Kelly, Hans Marcelino, Holly Welles. • Those in the background who made this event a success: • Jeff Addo, Serge Brioche, Diane Carlino, Michael Carson, Melea Emunah, David Hopkins, Sarah Jackson, Lori Ledford, Michael Levant, Alice Monachello, Maureen Novozinsky, Lucy Weise, Tara Zarillo, Jane Zhou. • My family who joined me last night: • David and Erin, Seth and Helena, Stephen and Clare, Dan and Susan, Joan and Irwin. • Mimi: I so welcome your good sense, your confidence in me, and your warmth. • I’d like to close with three stanzas from a favorite poem.

15. Robert FrostTwo Tramps in Mud Time(opening stanza) Out of the mud two strangers came And caught me splitting wood in the yard. And one of them put me off my aim By hailing cheerily "Hit them hard!" I knew pretty well why he dropped behind And let the other go on a way. I knew pretty well what he had in mind: He wanted to take my job for pay.

16. Robert FrostTwo Tramps in Mud Time(penultimate stanza) Nothing on either side was said. They knew they had but to stay their stay And all their logic would fill my head: As that I had no right to play With what was another man's work for gain. My right might be love but theirs was need. And where the two exist in twain Theirs was the better right -- agreed.

17. Robert FrostTwo Tramps in Mud Time(final stanza) But yield who will to their separation, My object in living is to unite My avocation and my vocation As my two eyes make one in sight. Only where love and need are one, And the work is play for mortal stakes, Is the deed ever really done For Heaven and the future's sakes.