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Explore a thought-provoking lecture by Prof. George Ellis on the intricate relationships between physics, environmental concerns, and developmental issues. Delve into the complexities of ecosystems and societies, examining how physics underlies all emergent phenomena. Investigate the direct connections between physics and critical issues like energy usage and global warming, as highlighted by Vaclav Smil. Understand why simplistic applications of physics concepts to policy-making are insufficient, and learn about the truly complex nature of ecological, social, and economic systems. Examine the interacting adaptive modular hierarchical structures present in these systems, and discover how bottom-up emergence and downward causation occur through non-linear contextual mechanisms. Gain insights into effectively communicating scientific evidence to the public while acknowledging the importance of emotional motivation in driving change.
