Michael Specter: The danger of science denial

The speaker discusses the concept of a time machine, emphasizing the importance of moving forward rather than dwelling on nostalgia. They highlight the progress humanity has made in health, wealth, and technology, while also addressing global challenges like hunger and environmental degradation. The talk stresses the need for scientific innovation and the importance of vaccines in public health. It critiques the reliance on alternative medicine and debates the benefits of genetically engineered food. The speaker concludes by encouraging a forward-thinking mindset to embrace future opportunities.

What are the reasons the speaker believes people want to go back in time?

According to the speaker, what are some measures that indicate this is the greatest time in history?

What does the speaker identify as a major public health triumph?

What are the consequences of the public's skepticism towards vaccines, according to the speaker?

How does the speaker describe the relationship between belief and evidence in the context of public health?

What is the speaker's stance on genetically engineered food?

How does the speaker propose we should approach scientific progress?

What does the speaker suggest about the future of food production?

What does the speaker mean by 'high-tech colonialism' in the context of food production?

What is the significance of the time machine metaphor used by the speaker?