There was more fuss today about climate change being probably man made and increasing temperatures over the next 100 years. You get the sense that there will soon be a universal drive to tackle the problem... But, that led me to think... what else could be achieved with global co-operation. For the first time in human history, we realistically have the prospect of extending human life for significant periods of time. Personally, I would prefer our billions go into accelerating this effort rather than tackling climate change. Why save a planet that we won't be here to enjoy when there is a chance (however small) of doubling life expectancy. In my opinion, this gamble is not an option. Its part of our self preservation mechanism that we should chose life over death - so why are we rallying behind the global warming thing and not uniting behind groundbreaking medical reserch. Priorities please!!!!
Extending human life for significant lengths of time? I hadn't heard that one. Whilst, in theory, it's probably possible with modern advances in medical science to bump up the average life expectancy in western developed countries to maybe 90, it's certainly not desirable to do so. Who wants to be surrounded by dribbly old wrinklies all day?
My point is... if you look at the ridiculously grand and expensive schemes groups like NASA are considering (like planetary solar shields) - I'm sure it is far closer to our grasp to cure or at least slow down the aging process ---> in which case surely this should be our primary concern!