The 21st century will present enormous challenges, they will develop with different degrees of uncertainty over different timescales.

In the short term, the UK  National Risk Register tries to assess the various threats to the country.  In the longer term, issues of population growth, urbanisation, poverty alleviation complicated by climate change impose difficult issues of food, energy and water security.

Through case studies and vignettes from his time as Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir John Beddington reflects on the progress made in ensuring that the best science is brought to bear on all government policy and decision-making. 

He also addresses the role multidisciplinary research at the Cabot Institute can play in unravelling some of the world’s most challenging environmental issues.