We only have to look at ourselves to see how intelligent life might develop into something we wouldn't want to meet.
Stephen HawkingRead
If it were only a few degrees, that would be serious, but we could adapt to it. But the danger is the warming process might be unstable and run away. We could end up like Venus, covered in clouds and with the surface temperature of 400 degrees. It could be too late if we wait until the bad effects of warming become obvious. We need action now to reduce emission of carbon dioxide.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the urgent need to combat climate change before it's too late.
Stephen Hawking warns about the potential consequences of climate change, likening Earth to Venus if actions are not taken to reduce carbon emissions. He stresses the urgency of addressing global warming and suggests that waiting for its adverse effects to become apparent could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Themes
Climate ChangeGlobal WarmingCarbon EmissionsEnvironmentAction
In practice
Example use cases
In a presentation about environmental issues, one might say: 'As Stephen Hawking pointed out, we need action now to combat climate change.'
More from Stephen Hawking
All quotes →I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.
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It surprises me how disinterested we are today about things like physics, space, the universe and philosophy of our existence, our purpose, our final destination. Its a crazy world out there. Be curious.
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I was not a good student. I did not spend much time at college; I was too busy enjoying myself.
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The world has changed far more in the past 100 years than in any other century in history. The reason is not political or economic but technological-technologies that flowed directly from advances in basic science. Clearly, no scientist better represents those advances than Albert Einstein: TIME's Person of the Century.
Stephen HawkingRead
In my opinion, there is no aspect of reality beyond the reach of the human mind.
Stephen HawkingRead
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That is the essence of science: ask an impertinent question, and you are on the way to a pertinent answer.
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Scientists never stop asking. They're little kids who never grew up.
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