The Future of Life It is obvious that life on Earth is entering an extremely critical phase at this time. For the first time, the biosphere, in particular ourselves, is able to exercise a substantial influence on its surroundings, especially the vulnerable hydrosphere and atmosphere. Unless we are able to restrict the various detrimental processes like the cutting down of the rain forests and the ever accelerating outlet of greenhouse gases, we will necessarily face a global catastrophe that may not be too far into the future. Unless we understand that there are necessary limits to growth on a small and finite planet and take the appropriate measures in time, it must surely come to a sad end. I am optimistic, however, that mankind, guided by clever scientists and sage politicians and in a dramatic act of global consensus, will finally understand the seriousness of the situation in time to avert such a disaster. It is indeed the moral duty of all concerned scientists to call attention to the uniqueness and the magnitude of this problem, and to help to change the ingrained, careless attitudes that are so common in today's world. Richard M. West - ESO astronomer