Peter Solomon is the author of the new young adult novel 100 Years to Extinction. His other books include The Stardust Mystery. He is also a scientist, an educator, and an entrepreneur.
Q: What inspired you to write 100 Years to Extinction, and how did you create your characters Liz, Aster, and Milo?
A: Over the last 10 years, I have become increasingly worried about the technologies that threaten human existence. The old threats are the dangers from fossil fuel technology causing the climate crisis and the potential for nuclear annihilation. But recently, we have added three new threats from Artificial Intelligence, genetic engineering, and the internet with social media.
It is the younger generation, Gen Z, that will have to deal with the technology threats. I wanted them as role models for the young readers. I have 12 grandchildren and used some of them as models for my characters.
Q: What do you see looking ahead when it comes to climate change?
A: We face a potential 11-foot rise in sea level, more violent storms, and wildfires caused by the climate crisis. Progress is being made in expanding the use of electric vehicles and solar and wind power.
Fusion energy technology is discussed in the novel with respect to a fusion engine employed for a Rocketship that will travel to Mars. When developed for electricity generation, it will provide limitless clean energy. Technologies presented in the novel for producing cultured meat and synthetic lumber substitutes for resource-poor Planet Mars are offered as methods to curb global warming here on Earth.
Q: How was the book’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?
A: The technology dangers identified in question 1 above were some of the dangers that caused astrophysicist Stephen Hawking to issue his dire warning in 2017: He predicted that humans will be extinct on Earth within 100 years. We now have 92 years left.
When I discuss this with friends, most believe Hawking’s 100 years was optimistic. Hawking’s warning became the novel’s title. The novel’s message is that the younger generation from all over the world must unite as the Earthling Tribe to save our planet.
Q: What did you see as the right balance between fiction and science as you wrote the book?
A: I believe the best way to engage people in matters of science and technology, especially nonscientists, is through stories. A good story that frames the technology issues in understandable terms can capture the interest of a wide audience. So a story about the threats of technology to the existence of humanity must include the science of those threats.
The balance is the characters integrating the fight against those nonfiction threats (including the science) into their lives.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am working on the sequel to 100 Years to Extinction called 12 Years to AI Singularity. The Singularity is defined as the point in time when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, becoming capable of self-improvement at an accelerating, exponential rate that humans can’t match, can’t control. Can’t even comprehend.
Author Ray Kurzweil, in his nonfiction book The Singularity is Nearer, predicts that point in time to be 2045. In my new novel, the same characters from 100 Years to Extinction live during that period. They experience the increased activity and importance of AI in our civilization and work on what is required for harmonious integration of humans with AI.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: There is information about my novel and about the technology threats to humanity on my website: https://100yearstoextinction.com/
My team has created a lovely music video called "Turn the Tide" that was created by AI to warn us of the dangers of AI. It is on the music tab of my website: https://100yearstoextinction.com/music/
It is on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_07gZ9vTmY0
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
No comments:
Post a Comment