Nick King

History also teaches us that times of uncertainty and instability are fertile conditions for populists and those with dark agendas, as people under stress often seek simple answers to complex problems, which often dredges up an instinct to blame and see ‘us and them’ divisions.  This looks to be bubbling to the surface as unrest in many parts of the world, of which the UK is now exemplary. 

The ‘tipping point’ at which humanity became a majority-urban species finally occurred in 2008; this trend has continued (55% by 2018), and may be 70% by the middle of the 21st century.

What is proposed here is that a planned and deliberate effort to minimise burdens on embattled future societies by strategically addressing some of the most severe hazards left by recent and contemporary societies might be both a responsibility and duty. 

The unique risk profile of nuclear wastes has therefore in recent decades compelled governments and other authorities to seek a remedial strategy which is commensurate with the challenge whilst also being effective,

Despite the increasing depth and granularity of non-growth economic model research, one aspect is currently relatively under-represented in these efforts, namely the nature of the energy paradigm that could underpin societies operating in this form.