Putin Proposes World Conference on ‘Fundamental Science’

“I suggest, however, we should take a wider view on this issue. Yes, we might defuse the problem for a while by setting quotas on harmful emissions or by taking other measures that are nothing but tactical. But we will not solve it that way. We need a completely different approach. We have to focus on introducing fundamentally new technologies inspired by nature which would not damage the environment but would be in harmony with it. Also, they would restore the balance between the biosphere and technosphere upset by human activities.

“It is indeed a challenge of planetary scope. But I am confident that humankind has an intellectual potential to address it. We need to join our efforts. I refer, first of all, to the States that have a solid research basis and that have made significant advances in fundamental science. We propose convening a special forum under the UN auspices for a comprehensive consideration of the issues related to the depletion of natural resources, destruction of habitat, and climate change. Russia would be ready to co-sponsor such a forum.”