Scatter, Adapt, and Remember by Annalee Newitz is an anthology of contemporary ideas on the future of Earth and homo sapiens. Most of the book is based on interviews and published books, by scientists and science fiction authors. For example, Newitz recaps several of Octavia Butler’s novels. Unfortunately, if you are interested in the topic you will know about most the ideas presented…for example: synthetic biology, climate simulation, space elevators, and uploading brains.
The book has many chapters on farming, including community garden, local foods to conserve energy, rooftop gardens, growing plants on walls of tall buildings, and causes of famines. Ideas for the future are contrasted with historical examples of what not to do.
There is also good coverage for space colonization. As with most of the book, Newitz is an impartial observer/reporter, presenting both sides of the question. She discusses colonies on the Moon, Mars, and Titans(beaches), against the risks of space travel (radiation) and the ethics (we’ll “fuck everything up” — quoted three times).
Some other interesting quotes:
“It’s possible that we’ll become cyborgs.”
“Our kids are the last generation who will see no city lights on the Moon.”
If you’d like to read the current thoughts about the future of humanity all in one place, this is the book for you.
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