- Credit: Pew Research Center for the People & the Press
Many Americans see dramatic scientific and technological advancements on the horizon, with big developments in space travel, medicine, engineering, and computers.
However, despite the widely anticipated scientific breakthroughs – including the elimination of fossil fuels and gas-powered cars – the public foresees a grim environmental future. Rising world temperatures, more polluted oceans and severe water shortages in the U.S. are seen as definite or probable over the next 40 years.
The survey report has been issued by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press in Washington, D.C.
The report focuses in on the future of space, noting:
In the wake of recent shifts in NASA’s plans for manned missions to the moon and the imminent end of the space shuttle program, Americans by and large remain optimistic that astronauts will land on Mars in the next 40 years.
However, fewer now say this is likely than did so 11 years ago (63% today, 76% in 1999). While there are few demographic differences in predictions about space exploration, college graduates are more doubtful than others; 57% of college graduates say astronauts will definitely or probably land on the red planet within 40 years, while 67% of those without college degrees expect this to happen.
The public is more divided when it comes to other space-related scientific advancements.
Half (50%) say that by 2050 there definitely or probably will be evidence that humans are not alone in the universe, while 45% say that this evidence probably or definitely won’t exist by then.
About as many people anticipate that within 40 years ordinary people will be able to travel in space (53%) as think it unlikely this will happen (45%).
To access the full report, go to:
http://people-press.org/report/?pageid=1738
By Leonard David