Herman Kahn argues that Boom is more likely than Doom

What are the prospects for mankind? Are we heading for doom on a planet poisoned by pollution, gutted of resources, over-populated and starving - or are we on the verge of universal prosperity? A reassuring answer comes from Herman Kahn, the world's most influential 'futurologist'. He runs the Hudson Institute, a scientific 'think tank' near New York, and is adviser to the governments of the United States, France and Japan. His latest prediction is staggeringly optimistic: given 'moderately reasonable behaviour,' by the 21st century a world population of 40 billions could be enjoying an income of £4,000 per head - the present US average. All this can be achieved by using present technology. As for resources and energy, there will always be enough: the world is not a 'fixed bowl' but an ever-expanding one...
Herman Kahn argues his case in the theatre of the Royal Institution, London, with: Andrew Shonfield, Director, Royal Institute for International Affairs; Dr E. Fritz Schumacher, former chief economist to the National Coal Board; Kenneth Mellanby, Director, Nature Conservancy's Monks Wood Experimental Station; and an invited audience
Chairman Professor Sir George Porter

(Colour)