The Future of Life What will be the future of life? Will it continue to flourish on the Earth or will it suffer from negative developments, either those that are self inflicted, or external, like natural catastrophes? Social and natural scientists are busy trying to answer this fundamental question. Some are optismitic and predict a glorious future for us, once we learn to live in equilibrium with our surroundings. Others are rather pessimistic, noting that developments are taking place with a speed and impact that has alredy lead to irreversible damage. Current research on the future of Life [Section to be inserted] Some personal thoughts So who is right? The optimists or the pessimists (realists)? We asked the members of the Expert Panel and the International Steering Committee to express their thoughts on this subject - here are their answers [more to follow]: Athena Coustenis - astronomer at Observatoire de Meudon (France) Claus Madsen - European Affairs Officer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) Richard West - astronomer at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) What is you own opinion about this?