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Stephen Hawking, one of the greatest minds on Earth, died peacefully at his home in Cambridge on Wednesday at the age of 76.
As well as being a renowned physicist whose groundbreaking theories helped us understand the complexities of space, time and the universe, the British professor also taught us about our home planet.
<p style="">
In his last years, Hawking used his platform to warn that human activity is causing irreversible planetary damage and that we must take action to halt <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change">climate change</a>.
</p><p style="">
"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent," Hawking <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/hawking-branson-space-travel-2322001094.html" target="_blank">said</a> in May.
</p><p style="">
Hawking frequently denounced <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier">climate change deniers</a>, and even offered to pay their <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-venus-2524820127.html">trip to Venus</a> to illustrate the impact of greenhouse gases on a habitable planet. The global thinker also <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/01/stephen-hawking-dangerous-time-planet-inequality" target="_blank">warned</a> that the Brexit vote would damage scientific research in Britain and criticized <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch">President Donald Trump</a>'s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris agreement</a>.
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"I am not denying the importance of fighting climate change and global warming, unlike Donald Trump, who may just have taken the most serious, and wrong, decision on climate change this world has seen," Hawking <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-leave-earth-2446264918.html">said</a> last year about the Paris withdrawal.
</p><p style="">
In a 2016 lecture, he predicted that humanity has only 1,000 years left on Earth and we must find another planet to live on.
</p><p style="">
"[W]e must ... continue to go into space for the future of humanity," Hawking <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/professor-stephen-hawking-humanity-wont-survive-1000-years-on-earth-a7417366.html">said</a>. "I don't think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet."
</p><p style="">
According to Hawking, Earth and its inhabitants could soon be doomed. But, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/dec/01/stephen-hawking-dangerous-time-planet-inequality" target="_blank">as he wrote in 2016</a>, he's actually an "enormous optimist" for our future—that is, if we can learn to work together.</p><p style="">
<span></span>"Perhaps in a few hundred years, we will have established human colonies amid the stars, but right now we only have one planet, and we need to work together to protect it," he wrote. "To do that, we need to break down, not build up, barriers within and between nations."
</p><p style="">
"We can do this, I am an enormous optimist for my species; but it will require the elites, from London to Harvard, from Cambridge to Hollywood, to learn the lessons of the past year. To learn above all a measure of humility."
</p><p style="">
Hawking died from complications of Lou Gehrig's disease, which he suffered from since he was 20.
</p>
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In the event of World War III, the only way for humanity to survive is to colonize Mars or the moon, according to Elon Musk.
"I'm not predicting that we're about to enter the dark ages, but there's some probability that we will, particularly if there's a third world war," the SpaceX and Tesla founder said during a question and answer session at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference in Austin on Sunday ahead of President Donald Trump's possible nuclear talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
<p style="">
"We want to make sure there's enough of a seed of human civilization somewhere else to bring civilization back and, perhaps, shorten the length of the dark ages," Musk continued during his chat with Jonathan Nolan, the co-creator of HBO's
Westworld<em>. </em>
</p><p style="">
"It's important to get a self-sustaining base ideally on Mars, because Mars is far enough away from Earth that [if there's a war on Earth] the Mars base is more likely to survive than a moon base," he said. "But I think a moon base and a Mars base that could perhaps regenerate life back here on Earth would be really important."
</p><p style="">
Musk's remarks—which you can watch below—are similar to comments made by theoretical physicist
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/stephen-hawking">Stephen Hawking</a>, who <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-leave-earth-2446264918.html">also thinks</a> that humanity needs to colonize Mars, the moon or other planets in order survive threats such as <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_blank">climate change</a>.
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Musk said it will not be easy for the first people living in space.
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"The moon and Mars are often thought of as some escape hatch for rich people, but it won't be that at all," he said. "Really it kind of reads like Shackleton's ad for Antarctic explorers ... difficult, dangerous, good chance you'll die, excitement for those who would survive."
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Once the space settlers are established, the billionaire visionary envisions a "direct democracy" for Martian colonies, "where people vote directly on issues instead of going through a representative government."
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Musk suggested that SpaceX will be ready to fly a rocket to Mars in 2019.
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"I think we'll be able to do short flights, sort of up-and-down flights, probably some time in the first half of next year," he said.
</p><p style="">
However, he admitted this interplanetary project, like many of his other grand plans, could be a little too ambitious.
</p><p style="">
"People have told me that my timelines historically have been optimistic, and so I'm trying to recalibrate to some degree here."
</p><p style="">
Elsewhere in his wide-ranging interview at SXSW, Musk spoke about the threat of climate change and why there must be a
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/price-on-carbon-1990955696.html">price on carbon</a>.
</p><p style="">
"Anything that pushes carbon into the atmosphere … has to have a price," Musk said.
</p><p style="">
Musk, whose many companies build electric vehicles, batteries and solar panels, has
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/elon-musk-unveils-tesla-model-3-accelerating-sustainable-transport-is--1882200339.html" target="_blank">spoken frequently</a> about his vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future.
</p><p style="">
<span></span>"In the absence of a price, we sort of pretend that digging up trillions of tons of
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/fossil-fuels">fossil fuels</a> and putting in the atmosphere … won't have a bad outcome," he said. "It's up to people and [their] governments to put a price on carbon."
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Stephen Hawking warns Earth could become as hot as Venus if we do not cut greenhouse gas emissions, a significant driver of climate change.
Venus is by far the hottest planet in the solar system with a searing average surface temperature of 864 degrees Fahrenheit.
<p>
"Venus is like Earth in so many ways, a sort of kissing cousin," the famed theoretical physicist said in the second episode of his new series,
<a href="https://app.curiositystream.com/video/1697/stephen-hawkings-favorite-places" target="_blank">Stephen Hawking's Favorite Places</a>. "She's almost the same size as Earth, a touch closer to the sun. She has an atmosphere."</p><p>
NASA
<a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2016/nasa-climate-modeling-suggests-venus-may-have-been-habitable" target="_blank">explains</a> that for up to 2 billion years of its early history, Venus may have had a shallow liquid-water ocean and habitable surface temperatures. However, due to its position to the sun, the planet's water eventually evaporated. With no water left on its surface, carbon dioxide built up in the atmosphere and led to a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/runaway-greenhouse-effect-on-venus-foreshadows-earths-climate-disaster-1881788437.html">runaway greenhouse effect</a> that created Venus' present hellish conditions.
</p><p>
“This is what happens when greenhouse gases are out of control," Hawking said, implying that our own planet could also meet the same fiery fate.
</p><p>
He then quipped, "Next time you meet a
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier">climate-change denier</a>, tell them to take a trip to Venus; I will pay the fare."
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Hawking has spoken against climate deniers before and
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/hawking-trump-science-2513514825.html">has criticized</a> President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris agreement</a>.
</p><p>
"Trump's action could push the Earth over the brink, to become like Venus, with a temperature of two hundred and fifty degrees, and raining sulphuric acid," he
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-trump-2452539680.html" target="_blank">said</a> in July.
</p><p>Hawking has frequently warned of doomsday scenarios and <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-bbc-2392439489.html" target="_blank">said</a> that humanity needs to leave Earth and colonize the moon, Mars or other planets in order for our species to survive the impending doom of climate change.
</p><p>
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/hawking-earth-fire-600-years-2507753161.html">He believes</a> humans will only last another 600 years before Earth becomes a "sizzling ball of fire" that marks the end of humanity.</p>
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This was a year of tug-of-war for the environment. With Donald Trump becoming president of the U.S. at a time when wildfires, hurricanes, and floods were devastating the country, it was challenging for scientists, activists and concerned citizens to get their voices heard. But several stood out as global leaders on climate and helped give rise to those who were silenced. Below are 14 of the most notable influencers of 2017 and how they fought for a cleaner, safer environment for all.
<p>
1. Emmanuel Macron
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After his inauguration as president of France, just a few months after U.S. President Donald Trump, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/emmanuel-macron" target="_self">Emmanuel Macron</a> made immediate waves. He started off by addressing Trump's withdrawal from the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris agreement</a> with a "<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/macron-climate-scientists-france-2440280116.html" target="_self">Make Earth Great Again</a>" slogan and welcoming American climate scientists to France to continue their research. He forged on, offering <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/france-climate-awards-2516598161.html" target="_self">multi-year grants</a> totaling $70 million. Macron also hosted the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/coal-companies-one-planet-summit-2517129095.html" target="_self">One Planet Summit</a> where 20 international companies announced they would phase out <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coal">coal</a>. With his continued criticism of Trump's decisions regarding the planet, Macron has proven himself a global leader on <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">climate change</a> and has set the stage for progress in 2018.</p><p>2. Elon Musk</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDQ2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MjI1MjkyMH0.n2u25YHbM5PFoHZNO7YRvqvRPeWMDF5Yb3U5mqV2v9g/img.jpg?width=980" id="6de02" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="da4b4658cb0745b94c0c0bf476a92f8d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p><a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/elon-musk" target="_self">Elon Musk</a>, entrepreneur and founder of several companies including SpaceX, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/tesla" target="_self">Tesla</a> and SolarCity, began 2017 with a seat on President Trump's economic advisory council. Musk made multiple attempts to reverse Trump's stance on climate change, but after Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement, Musk left the council on June 1, causing a huge media storm. Then in October, when <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/hurricane-maria">Hurricane Maria</a> devastated Puerto Rico and left the islands without power, Musk swooped in and began building a <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/solar">solar</a> grid. He started with restoring a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tesla-puerto-rico-solar-2501230169.html" target="_self">children's hospital</a> in San Juan and has continued delivering and installing <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tesla-puerto-rico-solar-battery-2515317653.html" target="_self">Tesla battery systems</a> since. Musk has also made huge strides in green technology with his push for electric vehicles and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/renewable-energy/">renewable energy</a> in the U.S., despite the Trump administration's favoritism towards the fossil fuel industry.<br></p><p>3. Angela Merkel</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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German Chancellor Angela Merkel has stepped up to the plate as one of 2017's female leaders on climate in a multitude of ways. Nicknamed the "Climate Chancellor," Merkel has outwardly expressed her differences with Trump, calling his stance on climate change "regrettable." She<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-putin-2454918187.html" target="_self"> reassured the UN</a> that Germany would uphold its targets for the Paris agreement, despite the U.S. change of heart. She has also made significant progress in ensuring sustainable growth in Germany with the G20 Hamburg Climate and Energy Action Plan for Growth. Then, in November at the<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/cop23" target="_self"> COP23</a> in Bonn, Germany, Merkel sent a strong message to all global leaders, saying "we will not be able to adhere to the 2°C or 1.5°C target with the current national commitments. That is why each and every contribution is incredibly important."</p><p>4. Bernie Sanders</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
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Senator <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/bernie-sanders" target="_self">Bernie Sanders</a> didn't let his loss in the 2016 presidential race stop him from speaking out on climate. In 2017, Sanders relentlessly criticized Trump's rejection of the Paris agreement and his outright denial of climate <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/science/">science</a>. He is one of the few politicians who has spoke out about the<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/sanders-energy-bill-2464667836.html" target="_self"> Energy and Natural Resources Act of 2017</a>, which aims to expand the fossil fuel industry. He also introduced a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/transformation-blueprint-puerto-rico-2513303662.html" target="_self">$146 billion recovery package</a> for Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria hit and Trump neglected to provide relief. The package would rebuild Puerto Rico's infrastructure with sustainable resources. He also helped to introduce the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/clean-energy-bill-merkley-sanders-markey-2381516585.html" target="_self">100 by 50 Act</a>, which would support workers in the fossil fuel industry while simultaneously phasing out fossil fuels by 2050. </p><p>5. Pope Francis</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDI1NC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NDQ3MDgwMH0.6aXIpGTje_WM9IILSJNVQU0oaCh6JlXx4AatYpTtVRM/img.jpg?width=980" id="33fc4" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0c91f6f4182382ca11da966add91d30e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
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Pope Francis has openly condemned <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier" target="_self">climate change deniers</a> for years, but 2017 might have been the most radical year yet for the sovereign. In February, the Pope spoke up for<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/pope-frances-dapl-2265564461.html" target="_self"> indigenous peoples</a> and their right to consent when it comes to government activities on their sacred lands. The strong words came shortly after President Trump signed two executive orders calling for the approval of the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines in January, though the Vatican said the timing was coincidental. On <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/pope-francis-climate-change-hunger-2497286479.html" target="_self">World Food Day</a> in October, the Pope urged governments to mitigate climate change, as it is a lead driver of the increase in world hunger. And in November at COP23, he outlined four "<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/pope-francis-cop23-2510283678.html" target="_self">perverse attitudes</a>" that are preventing climate action. To top it off, he also acquired an <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/pope-francis-nissan-leaf-2294820792.html" target="_self">electric car</a>.</p><p>6. Michelle Rodriguez</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDI1Ni9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTQyNzQ3MX0.0_BuMsiiUgIv1eGxC5ACSPvHKOM-vt-SPuW8BuSeWKA/img.jpg?width=980" id="b040c" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0824cb85cc66bfa0409924c8e930ab05" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Actress and climate activist Michelle Rodriguez is one of the newer voices of the climate movement. In March, Rodriguez joined an all-woman survey team known as <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/michelle-rodriguez-baby-seals-2336771103.html" target="_self">Operation Ice Watch</a> on an expedition to the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada where the seal population is under siege by hunting and ice loss caused by climate change. Led by the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/community/seashepherdconservationsociety/">Sea Shepherd Conservation Society</a> and <a href="https://www.animaljustice.ca/" target="_blank">Animal Justice</a>, the crew surveyed the ice, or lack thereof, while filming a documentary to raise awareness about the "ecological catastrophe." Rodriguez also partnered with <a href="https://my.seashepherd.org/OperationTSP" target="_blank">Operation Taino Spirit Promise</a> and <a href="http://www.seashepherd.org/" target="_blank">Sea Shepherd</a> to provide relief to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria struck and start a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/puerto-rico-sustainability-2515065901.html" target="_self">campaign</a> for a sustainable rebuild.</p><p><span></span>7. Michael Bloomberg<br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDI5MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDI3NTgzNX0.LU8u8DBtXeVCJoMgXZm998Ny5gCZkjxbj3ujTB5sVLU/img.jpg?width=980" id="9e2e5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="e9817bbcef0a909ddd85207f1e23dca5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was also a notable influencer of 2017, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/cop-23-same-canoe-2509377631.html" target="_self">representing the U.S. at COP23</a> where he, alongside Governors Jerry Brown of California and Jay Inslee of Washington introduced the <a href="https://www.wearestillin.com/about" target="_blank">We Are Still In</a> coalition, a network of U.S. politicians who support climate action despite Trump's withdrawal from the Paris agreement. In October, Bloomberg also announced that his charity would donate $64 million to the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/bloomberg-coal-sierra-club-2495882707.html" target="_self">retirement of U.S. coal plants</a>, greatly impeding Trump's efforts to revive the American <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/coal" target="_self">coal industry</a>.</p><p><span></span>8. Patricia Espinosa<br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDMwMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTA3NTk4OX0.bkqVMS5Yr4gSUrPww9GAQNONoSBakNB1oMOuyxeLOmA/img.jpg?width=980" id="b414f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3c19872c44cab799126158e2706068f4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Mexican politician and current executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Patricia Espinosa made significant progress on shifting the dialogue surrounding climate action in 2017. In<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/shell-climate-video-2290679999.html" target="_self"> February</a>, she said getting fossil fuel companies "on board" is a critical factor in combating climate change. She also used her position to direct the climate conversation away from technology and toward security, arguing that security officials "understand that our current crisis pales in comparison to what is coming if climate change is left unchecked." She also spoke about women's involvement at COP23 and introduced the Gender Action Plan to promote meaningful participation by women in the climate movement.<br></p><p>9. Al Gore<br></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDMwNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxODQ3NzI5MH0.-_PWKiRPPIaFKJbMvBGdgclg2RQeIREPInQ-i1FkdAY/img.jpg?width=980" id="19e77" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="279647b1b892d7b8b584a94c3436e243" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Former vice president and environment activist <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/community/al_gore/" target="_self">Al Gore</a> is known for his stance on climate change. But in 2017, with the release of his newest documentary "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power," Gore found another big spotlight. In July, he boldly <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/al-gore-paris-agreement-2456658881.html" target="_self">predicted</a> that the U.S. would still meet the targets of the Paris agreement, despite Trump's about-face in June. On Dec. 4-5, Gore also hosted the Climate Reality Project's "<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/24-hours-reality-matters-2515687039.html" target="_self">24 Hours of Reality</a>," where he highlighted citizens taking action all across the globe to inspire others to do the same. The program reached more than half a billion viewers on TV and 32 million online, making it the world's largest social broadcast on climate to date.<br></p><p>10. Jerry Brown</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDM2MC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMzYwOTk0M30.87-_ssW-F7pvXp3mJ5S6xwicmnK4l0AVkM3vEoG3s4Q/img.jpg?width=980" id="d72d9" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6eaee9c3dc801c069873f10188e59ce0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>At almost every turn for the past 365 days, California Governor <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/jerry-brown" target="_self">Jerry Brown</a> has undermined President Trump. In June, almost immediately after Trump's withdrawal from the Paris agreement, Brown partnered with <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/brown-china-climate-deal-2435721752.html" target="_self">Chinese President Xi Jinping</a> to continue expanding green technology and trade. In July, Brown extended California's climate legislation to reduce <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/greenhouse-gases" target="_self">greenhouse gas emissions</a>, to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. And as wildfires have raged through the state and region, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/california-brown-trump-climate-2500805926.html" target="_self">Brown said</a> he was "linking with other similar-minded people all over the world" and "pushing forward even as Trump blusters."<br></p><p>11. Noam Chomsky</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDM2MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNDIwMTc4NH0.LMilPhdJDomKAiRwjnRFyIIK_zz9YIAonE_yz89-XzQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="bced1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3a11feaac20617ac2fab9fb0198a8601" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Well known linguist and scientist <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/noam-chomsky-trump-2454319460.html" target="_self">Noam Chomsky</a> spoke out numerous times in 2017 for the sake of the environment. In an <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/chomsky-trump-undermine-survival-2333432702.html" target="_self">interview with Truthout</a> in March, Chomsky called out the Trump administration for cutting federal spending to the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/epa">U.S Environmental Protection Agency</a> and the Department of Energy, stating that his actions are an "attack against future generations." In May he spoke out again, <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/noam-chomsky-gop-trump-climate-2404621379.html" target="_self">telling BBC Newsnight</a> that the Republican Party's denial of climate change has made them the most dangerous organization "in human history." Chomsky's criticisms opened up an intellectual dialogue for conservative voters and encouraged the scientific community to weigh in.<br></p><p>12. Leonardo DiCaprio</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDM2Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU4NzUxNDk1Mn0.RcRQgc6g22jOIE67BBBki5rwIcKvLV0bS1L8uC8GeF8/img.jpg?width=980" id="5695e" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="09368c6b5c1100b70aff5033ef346aef" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>Actor and philanthropist <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/leonardo-dicaprio" target="_self">Leonardo DiCaprio</a> made impressive strides on climate action in 2017, including investing in the entirely plant-based food company <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/dicaprio-beyond-meat-2498081823.html" target="_self">Beyond Meat</a> and a farm-raised seafood company <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/leonardo-dicaprio-lovethewild-2307586570.html" target="_self">LoveTheWild</a>. In June, DiCaprio also partnered with Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto to conserve the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/dicaprio-vaquita-oceans-day-2436761026.html" target="_self">Gulf of California</a> for the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/vaquita">vaquita</a> porpoise, classified as the most endangered marine mammal in the world. Most recently, at the Yale Climate Change Conference in September, DiCaprio announced that his foundation will be awarding <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/leonardo-dicaprio-foundation-awards-2487597805.html" target="_self">$20 million in grants</a> to more than 100 environmental organizations.<br></p><p>13. Stephen Hawking</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDM2My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTU4OTk1NzQxNX0.mpoMV7Iu0pmEFYQ-T_ALQFbTAv8U4QQINlkRNWULwqQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="78a94" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="605025c746efa309e1b769c6798498b0" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>World-renowned theoretical physicist <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/stephen-hawking" target="_self">Stephen Hawking</a> represented the majority of the scientific community in 2017 on several occasions, urging Trump to stop denying evidence of climate change. In June, Hawking had a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-trump-2452539680.html" target="_self">few choice words </a>about the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris agreement, warning that "we are close to the tipping point where <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/" target="_self">global warming</a> becomes irreversible." And in November, Hawking once again pushed Trump to stop <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/hawking-trump-science-2513514825.html" target="_self">denying climate change</a> and take action. Hawking nearly gave up on Earth altogether, telling WIRED UK that "our Earth is becoming too small for us, global population is increasing at an alarming rate and we are in danger of self-destructing."<br></p><p>14. David Attenborough</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xNjk2NDM2NS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NzM1MDQ3MX0.0DolTBfyoHa8qhomzmTMRWVUfesEksDnYN3v3M6zSKU/img.jpg?width=980" id="54dd2" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6c0c54783d6958260742f4220e705134" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image">
</p><p>English documentary filmmaker and naturalist David Attenborough, whose series <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/david-attenborough-blue-planet-ii-2490636664.html">Blue Planet II</a> began in October, spoke out several times on plastic pollution in 2017. In September, Attenborough told <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/community/greenpeace/" target="_self">Greenpeace</a> of the "heartbreaking" footage he recorded of mother birds feeding their babies plastic, an iconic moment for him that pushed him to speak up about <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/plastics" target="_self">plastic pollution</a> in oceans., and tell Trump to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/david-attenborough-plastics-2514828090.html">reconsider his withdrawal</a> from the Paris agreement. He emphasized that "never before have we been so aware of what we are doing to our planet—and never before have we had such power to do something about it."<br></p>
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In a recent sit-down with WIRED UK, famed theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking sounded off on the ongoing anti-science movement.
"People distrust science because they don't understand how it works," Hawking said. "It seems as if we are now living in a time in which science and scientists are in danger of being held in low, and decreasing, esteem. This could have serious consequences. I am not sure why this should be as our society is increasingly governed by science and technology, yet fewer young people seem to want to take up science as a career."
<p style="">
The conversation, naturally, led to his thoughts on
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/">Donald Trump</a>. If the genius scientist was ever given the chance to talk to the U.S. president, he would first ask him about his controversial ban of travelers from six mainly Muslim countries.
</p><p>
"This blanket ban is inefficient and prevents America from recruiting skilled people from these countries," Hawking said.
</p><p>
Hawking then quipped, "I would also ask him to renounce his
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier">denial of climate change</a>. But again, I fear neither will happen as Trump continues to appease his electorate."
</p><p style="">
Trump famously <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-climate-change-hoax-2018812943.html">said</a> that <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change">climate change</a> is a "hoax" invented by the Chinese, as he and members of his <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-oil-anwr-drilling-2513482646.html">political party and administration</a> push the use of fossil fuels, which exacerbates dangerous global warming.
</p><p style="">
The wide-ranging interview with WIRED also covered Hawking's thoughts on artificial intelligence, his worries over how big corporations like Facebook and Google control information, and the necessity of pursuing a rigorous space exploration program so that humans can find another inhabitable planet.
</p><p style="">
"Our Earth is becoming too small for us, global population is increasing at an alarming rate and we are in danger of self-destructing," he warned.
</p><p>
Hawking is a
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-leave-earth-2446264918.html">frequent critic</a> of Trump. In July, he <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-trump-2452539680.html">denounced</a> the president's controversial decision to <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/best-responses-trump-paris-agreement-2429353243.html" target="_blank">withdraw</a> the U.S. from the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement" target="_blank">Paris climate agreement</a>.
</p><p>
"Trump's action could push the Earth over the brink, to become like Venus, with a temperature of two hundred and fifty degrees, and raining sulphuric acid," he said.
</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-860673011908825088" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-860673011908825088&created_ts=1494035411.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Stephen+Hawking%3A+We+Have+100+Years+to+Find+a+New+Planet+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2Fq2G1HTRiBc+%40nytimesscience+%40guardianscience&id=860673011908825088&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ACQVV81576663505"></iframe>
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Stephen Hawking Says Earth Will Become ‘Sizzling Ball of Fire’ in 600 Years
08 November 2017
Popular
By Phineas Rueckert
Last year, scientist Stephen Hawking gave humans a shelf-life of 1,000 more years on Earth.
Apparently, 2017 hasn't been to his liking—as Hawking shaved another 400 years off that prediction.
The world-renowned scientist said Tuesday that he believes humans will only last another 600 years before Earth becomes a "sizzling ball of fire" that marks the end of humanity, The Sun reported.
<p style="">Hawking's comments came as part of the Tencent WE Summit in <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/beijing-steel-factories-2504305097.html">Beijing</a>. The scientist, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and speaks with a speech-generating device, dialed into the conference with a video call urging humans to instead look toward colonizing a neighboring star system called Alpha Centauri, <a href="http://metro.co.uk/2017/11/07/earth-is-going-to-be-a-sizzling-ball-of-fire-by-2600-stephen-hawking-warns-7060683/" target="_blank">according to Metro UK</a>. </p><p>So, how does he want humans do this?</p><p style="">Hawking believes something called the "<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/breakthrough-starshot">Breakthrough Starshot</a>" project may offer a way to find life beyond Earth. The project aims to reach the nearest star system to our own, Alpha Centauri, where last August scientists <a href="https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/About" target="_blank">discovered</a> a "potentially habitable Earth-like planet," by sending out <a href="https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/News/12" target="_blank">ultralight nanobeams</a> that would reach Alpha Centauri in a couple of decades. </p><p>"Such a system could reach Mars in less than an hour, or reach Pluto in days, pass Voyager in under a week and reach Alpha Centauri in just over 20 years," Hawking said Tuesday. </p><p style="">"Maybe if all goes well, sometime a little after the middle of the century, we'll have our first picture of another planet that may be life-bearing orbiting the nearest star," he added.</p><p style="">As for this planet, Hawking was not so hopeful. Hawking warned that "soaring population sizes and increasing <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/energy-news/">demands for energy</a>" would lead to Earth's eventual demise, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-5056107/Stephen-Hawking-says-technology-end-poverty-urges-caution.html" target="_blank">according to the Daily Mail</a>. </p><p style="">The relationship between <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/population-growth">population growth</a> and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a> is clear. Rapidly industrializing countries like India and China are expected to contribute half of all CO2 emissions by 2050, <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/population-growth-climate-change/" target="_blank">according to the United Nations Population Fund</a>. </p><p>Global Citizen advocates for countries to adopt the Global Goals for Sustainable Development, including goal number 13: climate action. You can take action <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/take-action/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p style="">"If we cannot stabilize climate and we cannot stabilize population, there is not an ecosystem on Earth that we can save," the nonprofit Worldwatch Institute <a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/population-growth-climate-change/" target="_blank">told</a> Scientific American.</p><p style="">Hawking has been critical of U.S. climate change policy under <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/donald-trump" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a>. The U.S. will soon be <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/syria-paris-climate-agreement-united-states-donald/" target="_blank">the only country</a> to not sign the Paris agreement, which aims to put a cap on global temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed">
<iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-927934619202281472" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-927934619202281472&created_ts=1510071828.0&screen_name=SierraClub&text=U.S.+Now+the+Only+Country+Not+in+Paris+Climate+Agreement+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FXBYj1lZu7x+%40ecowatch+%23COP23&id=927934619202281472&name=Sierra+Club" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="WLLS781576662132"></iframe>
</p>
<p style="">"Trump's action could push the earth over the brink, to become like Venus, with a temperature of two hundred and fifty degrees, and raining sulphuric acid," Hawking <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/stephen-hawkins-trump-earth-venus/" target="_blank">said</a> in an interview with BBC this past July.<br></p><p style=""><em>Reposted with permission from our media associate <a href="https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/stephen-hawking-earth-sizzling-ball-of-fire/" target="_blank">Global Citizen</a>.</em></p>
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Stephen Hawking: 'We Are Close to Tipping Point Where Global Warming Becomes Irreversible'
03 July 2017
Popular
www.youtube.com
Stephen Hawking delivered another round of condemnation over President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.
"We are close to the tipping point where global warming becomes irreversible," the famed theoretical physicist said. "Trump's action could push the Earth over the brink, to become like Venus, with a temperature of two hundred and fifty degrees, and raining sulphuric acid," he told BBC News.
<p>
The University of Cambridge professor made these remarks during his recent interview with
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40461726" target="_blank">BBC News</a> on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
</p><p>
During the interview, Hawking also lamented Trump's notorious
<a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier">denial</a> of climate science.
</p><p>
<span></span>"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent if we act now," he said. "By <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change-denier-trump-2089375262.html">denying the evidence</a> for climate change, and pulling out of the Paris Climate Agreement, Donald Trump will cause avoidable environmental damage to our beautiful planet, endangering the natural world, for us and our children."
</p><p>
When asked whether humanity could ever solve our environmental and social problems, the professor was cynical and
<a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-bbc-2392439489.html">advocated space travel</a> to ensure the survival of our species.
</p><p>
"I fear evolution has inbuilt greed and aggression to the human genome," he said. "There is no sign of conflict lessening, and the development of militarized technology and weapons of mass destruction could make that disastrous. The best hope for the survival of the human race might be independent colonies in space."
</p>
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Stephen Hawking repeated his warning that humanity needs to leave Earth and colonize the moon, Mars or other planets in order for our species to survive the impending doom of climate change.
"We have given our planet the disastrous gift of climate change ... When we we have reached similar crises there has usually been somewhere else to colonize ... But there is no new world, no utopia around the corner," he said. "We are running out of space, and the only places to go to are other worlds."
<p>"It is time to explore other solar systems," Hawking continued. "Spreading out may be the only thing that saves us from ourselves. I am convinced that humans need to leave Earth." </p><p>Space travel would "elevate humanity," he noted. </p><p><span></span>The renowned physicist made the remarks Wednesday at the Starmus arts and science festival in Norway. </p><p>At the event, Hawking criticized <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a>'s decision to pull the U.S. out of the <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/tag/paris-agreement">Paris climate agreement</a>, saying "I am not <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/climate-denier">denying</a> the importance of fighting climate change and global warming, unlike Donald Trump, who may just have taken the most serious, and wrong, decision on climate change this world has seen."</p><p>The professor is working with Russian billionaire Yuri Milner's <a href="https://breakthroughinitiatives.org/Initiative/3" target="_blank">Breakthrough Starshot</a> initiative to send a fleet of laser-powered "nano craft" into space. </p><p>"Such a system could reach Mars in less than an hour, reach Pluto in days, pass Voyager [the space probe launched in 1977] in under a week, and reach Alpha Centauri in just over 20 years," he <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/stephen-hawking-second-earth-spacecraft-travel-20-years-star-chip-breakthrough-star-shot-a7800991.html" target="_blank">said</a>. "Once there, the nano craft could image any planets discovered in the system, test for magnetic fields and organic molecules, and send the data back to Earth in another laser beam."</p><p>The scheme is "a real opportunity for man to make early forays into outer space, with a view to probing and weighing the possibilities of colonization," he said.</p><p>Hawking also <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-40345048" target="_blank">urged</a> world leaders to send astronauts to the moon by 2020, build a lunar base in 30 years and to send people to Mars by 2025. </p><p>"Spreading out into space will completely change the future of humanity," he said. "I hope it would unite competitive nations in a single goal, to face the common challenge for us all."<br></p>
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A new group of industry heavyweights, including oil majors Total, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, have voiced their support for a Republican-led carbon tax and dividend plan. Individual founding members include, Michael Bloomberg, Stephen Hawking and Steven Chu.
<p>The <a href="https://www.clcouncil.org/founding-members/" target="_blank">Climate Leadership Council</a>, formed earlier this year to promote a <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/price-on-carbon-1990955696.html">carbon tax</a> as the most effective <a href="https://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate</a> solution, announced its new coalition of "Founding Members" today.</p><p>Supporters include companies like Johnson & Johnson and General Motors and NGOs like the Nature Conservancy.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.clcouncil.org/our-plan/" target="_blank">plan</a> is made up of four parts. As Bloomberg writes:</p><ul class="ee-ul"><li>A <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/carbon-tax">carbon tax</a> on fossil-fuel combustion lets energy prices reflect the damage done to the climate from carbon dioxide emissions.</li><li>Money raised by the levy is refunded monthly to taxpayers—turning distant climate benefits into immediate cash.</li><li>A border tax on goods from countries without a carbon tax ensures that U.S. companies remain competitive.</li><li>Finally, the U.S. safely rolls back climate regulations. </li></ul><p>The council presented its plan, coauthored by several GOP senior statesmen, to Trump's economic adviser Gary Cohn in February.</p>
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-twitter_embed"><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-877222162905563136" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-877222162905563136&created_ts=1497981036.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Groups+Slam+%23Exxon+for+Deceptive+Support+of+%23CarbonTax+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FlWIHoXdVMe+%40greenpeaceusa+%40350+%40foodandwater+%40Agent350+%40billmckibben&id=877222162905563136&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="JMI42O1497982002"></iframe></p>
<p><strong>For a deeper dive:</strong></p><p><a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=375bef4a05&e=d462721836" target="_blank">New York Times</a> $, <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=ba5221bb98&e=d462721836" target="_blank">WSJ</a>$, <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=719f2a9031&e=d462721836" target="_blank">Bloomberg</a>, <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=ec20aec0d3&e=d462721836" target="_blank">Axios</a>. Commentary: <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=8e023bdf86&e=d462721836" target="_blank">Washington Post, George Shultz and Lawrence Summers op-ed</a> $, FT, <a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=848a290a5d&e=d462721836" target="_blank">Ted Halstead op-ed</a> $</p><p><em>For more </em><a href="http://ecowatch.com/climate-change-news/" target="_blank"><em>climate change</em></a><em> and </em><a href="http://ecowatch.com/business/renewables/" target="_blank"><em>clean energy</em></a><em> news, you can follow Climate Nexus on </em><a href="https://twitter.com/ClimateNexus" target="_blank"><em>Twitter</em></a><em> and </em><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ClimateNexus/" target="_blank"><em>Facebook</em></a><em>, and sign up for daily </em><a href="http://climatenexus.us4.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=d1f5797e59060083034310930&id=7c84c08aaa" target="_blank"><em>Hot News</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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Humans have 100 years to find a new planet, or else become extinct, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking says in an upcoming BBC series.
<p><em>Expedition New Earth</em>, to air this summer, shows Hawking drastically changing a prediction he made <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-trump-climate-change-2097005537.html%20" target="_blank">last November</a> at Oxford University Union, when he said, "I don't think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet." Now, Hawking says we only have 100 years.<span></span></p><p>Hawking has frequently warned about the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-climate-change-2011284874.html">dangers threatening our survival</a>, including nuclear war, genetically engineered viruses and artificial intelligence. According to the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/mediapacks/tomorrows-world/television" target="_blank">BBC</a>'s media guide, he believes "<span></span><a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a>, overdue asteroid strikes, epidemics and population growth" have made Earth "increasingly precarious." </p><p>Hawking's perspective may sound like doom and gloom for Earth, but his new documentary focuses on finding out "if and how humans can reach for the stars and move to different planets."</p><p>With a team including engineering expert <a href="https://www.research.manchester.ac.uk/portal/en/researchers/danielle-george(33939c14-03f3-4200-9f9f-26259ea1d977).html" target="_blank">Danielle George</a> and his former student <a href="http://www.christophegalfard.com/" target="_blank">Christophe Galfard</a>, they travel the world to see how the latest astronomy, biology and rocket technology developments might lead to solutions.<br></p><p>"From the Atacama desert to the wilds of the North Pole, from plasma rockets to human hibernation, they discover a whole world of cutting edge research," the BBC said. "The journey shows that Prof. Hawking's ambition isn't as fantastical as it sounds—that science fact is closer to science fiction than we ever thought."</p>
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Stephen Hawking Plans Trip to Space, Says Trump Should Replace Pruitt as EPA Head
20 March 2017
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Professor Stephen Hawking could one day realize his dream of space travel thanks to Virgin founder and space-enthusiast Richard Branson.
"I have already completed a zero gravity flight which allowed me to float weightless, but my ultimate ambition is to fly into space," Hawking told host Piers Morgan of "Good Morning Britain" on Monday. "I thought no one would take me but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic and I said yes immediately."
<p>Branson's spaceflight company aims to provide suborbital spaceflights to space tourists. However, the venture has faced a number of delays, including a <a href="http://www.space.com/4863-report-cites-rocketship-builder-explosion-inquiry.html" target="_blank">fatal explosion</a> in 2007 during a ground test and test flight <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/31/spaceshiptwo-richard-branson-virgin-crash-mojave" target="_blank">crash</a> in 2014. (Might I suggest that if Branson cannot offer the stars to Hawking, maybe <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/elon-musk" target="_blank">Elon Musk</a>'s SpaceX can?)</p><p>"My three children have brought me great joy—and I can tell you what will make me happy, to travel in space," Hawking said. </p><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-843803661067337732" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-843803661067337732&created_ts=1490013444.0&screen_name=piersmorgan&text=FULL+INTERVIEW%3A+%0AProf+Stephen+Hawking+on+Trump%2C+climate+change%2C+feminism%2C+Brexit%2C+robots%2C+space+travel+%26amp%3B+Marilyn.%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FsSQamLgrae&id=843803661067337732&name=Piers+Morgan" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="EOTSVS1524750156"></iframe><p>The 75-year-old theoretical physicist and cosmologist was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis lateral sclerosis (ALS) when he was 21. </p><p><span></span>Hawking actually wrote about Branson's offer in a 2016 article published in the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/sep/26/i-think-the-human-race-has-no-future-if-it-doesnt-go-to-space" target="_blank">Guardian</a>:</p><p style="margin-left: 20px;">"I believe in the possibility of commercial space travel—for exploration and for the preservation of humanity. I believe that life on Earth is at an ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as a sudden nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus, or other dangers. I think the human race has no future if it doesn't go to space. We need to inspire the next generation to become engaged in space and in science in general, to ask questions: What will we find when we go to space? Is there alien life, or are we alone? What will a sunset on Mars look like?"</p><p>Also in the interview, Hawking discussed <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/trump-watch/" target="_blank">President Donald Trump</a> and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a>.</p><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-737766897693937664" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-737766897693937664&created_ts=1464732310.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=Stephen+Hawking%3A+One+Thing+Threatens+Us+More+Than+Donald+Trump+...+Climate+Change+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FSDpsKZL3MH+%40tcktcktck+%40globalgreen&id=737766897693937664&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="MOR3H71524750156"></iframe><p>The renowned scientist said that Trump's promise of the controversial <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/trump-mexico-wall-wildlife-2315267998.html">border wall</a> and the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/trump-dakota-access-pipeline-2211697835.html">sanctioning</a> of the <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/keystone-xl">Keystone XL</a> and <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/dakota-access-pipeline">Dakota Access</a> pipelines are designed to "satisfy [Trump's] electorate, who are neither liberal nor that well-informed."<br></p><p>Not only that, Hawking said that Trump should replace <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/tag/scott-pruitt">Scott Pruitt</a> as the head of the U.S. Environment Protection Agency because he is "a man who does not believe that carbon dioxide causes <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/climate-change/">climate change</a>."</p><p><span></span>"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent," Hawking said. "It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for [Trump's] second term—God forbid."</p><iframe width="100%" height="150" scrolling="no" id="twitter-embed-840335239016808448" src="/res/community/twitter_embed/?iframe_id=twitter-embed-840335239016808448&created_ts=1489186508.0&screen_name=EcoWatch&text=EPA+Chief+Denies+CO2+as+Primary+Driver+of+Climate+Change+https%3A%2F%2Ft.co%2FgHj2KJDrQm+%40tcktcktck+%40OneWorld_News&id=840335239016808448&name=EcoWatch" frameborder="0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="CJ2Q2P1524750157"></iframe><p>Hawking commented that the current administration's seemingly anti-science agenda has made him feel unwelcome. </p><p>"I have many friends and colleagues [in the U.S.] and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways," he said, "but I fear that I may not be welcome."</p><p>Hawking has said similar remarks before. He <a href="http://www.ecowatch.com/stephen-hawking-one-thing-threatens-us-more-than-donald-trump-climate--1891149035.html" target="_blank">called</a> then-candidate Trump a "demagogue, who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator."</p><p>And during a lecture last year, he predicted that humanity has only 1,000 years left on Earth and we must find another planet to live on. </p><p>"[W]e must ... continue to go into space for the future of humanity," professor Hawking <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/professor-stephen-hawking-humanity-wont-survive-1000-years-on-earth-a7417366.html" target="_blank">said</a>. <span></span>"I don't think we will survive another 1,000 years without escaping beyond our fragile planet."</p>
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