Abstract

Science and technology continue to generate discoveries and innovations that provide the public with new knowledge, new drugs, and new products. A growing number of regulatory guidelines protect users from the deleterious side effects of these new processes and products. Lifespans are still increasing each year in rich countries. Nevertheless, a proportion of the people are worried and upset. The discovery that humans are not at the center of the world has destabilized the traditional belief in a benevolent Creator. The current economic crisis also reinforces a sense of instability. The majority of people are still waiting for improvements in their lives from innovation. Thus, a contrast between anxiety and hope remains dominant. Scientific and technological advances have led to growing protests, a mindset that seems disproportionate to the actual risks. Some environmentalists take advantage of the situation to artificially generate systematic fear in order to destroy, or at least block, the development of Western civilization, to prevent or delay the irreversible degradation of the planet. This is based on a strategy of conflict and intolerance. A new pact between citizens, science, technology, and industry remains to be found.