Founding WELL | Stewart Brand | Talks at Google

Environmental advocate Stewart Brand presents an "eco-pragmatist" perspective on sustainability, arguing that the environmental movement must shift from romanticism to science and engineering. Cities are inherently green due to their efficiency and potential for innovation, while nuclear power, genetic engineering, and potentially geoengineering serve as essential tools for managing the Anthropocene. Brand highlights the necessity of reliable base-load power, noting that nuclear energy offers a high-density, low-carbon solution, while genetic engineering can improve crop yields and resilience in the developing world. Humanity acts as the planet's keystone species, requiring proactive, evidence-based management of natural infrastructure. By embracing technological solutions and moving beyond ideological opposition, society can better address climate change and resource scarcity, ensuring a sustainable future for a rapidly urbanizing global population.