Making Us 'Future-Proof ' - The Evolving Role of Horticulture

摘要

While this is not a scientific paper, it does examine the role of our science in the context of a profound socioeconomic change now gathering momentum around us. Although the process will be slow, this change will ultimately affect both the nature ofour science and the way it is applied. Let's reflect for a moment on the energy budget associated with our sector of "industrial metabolism" — the chain that begins in our research laboratories and ends with the application of our science in horticulture, agriculture, forestry, and conservation. Think, for example, of the lights, heating, and equipment used in laboratories, glasshouses, and propagation nurseries. Think of industrial chemicals, sterilizers, and fertilizers — of tractors, trucks, and other transport. There is little we do today that is not completely dependent on the burning or conversion of fossil fuels.