Both Stephen Hawking and Martin Rees have expressed optimism about the role of science and technology in resolving humanity’s overarching questions and problems. Vision reviews their recent books.

Historian Lisa Vox argues for finding a way to address the threats that face us all. It starts, she says, with not condemning others for holding a different worldview.

Technology gives us access to the universe while at the same time creating risks to our continued existence. Does humankind’s best hope for long-term survival come down to leaving Earth behind?

Part Two: AI expert Seán Ó hÉigeartaigh answers questions about the rapidly developing technology behind artificial intelligence.

The chief engineer for NASA’s robotic Mars Exploration Program talks about what it would take to put people on the Red Planet. Will Mars be humanity’s lifeboat?

If our reliance on technology has accelerated climate change, maybe technology can fix the problem too. Would it work? Should we try it?

Increasingly sophisticated and “intelligent” technologies now allow us to alter not only day-to-day life but the planet itself. They also invite abuse—and chaos. What can be done?

From genes to geophysics, our world is increasingly what we make it. But environmental philosopher Christopher Preston urges restraint.

Part One: What can we look forward to in a world where artificial intelligence plays a bigger role? What should we be concerned about? An AI expert provides some answers.