Our fast-moving world throws up continual challenges; genetic modification is among the latest, and we continually need to contend with the rights and wrongs of Artificial Intelligence. Setting limits is a key part of modern life: not everything that can be done, should be done. In respect of climate change, western democracies struggled hard to set limits in the first place; but they have found it even harder to maintain a consistent focus when political allegiances change. Environmental degradation is particularly threatened by such oscillations. Background music: 'People Watching' by Sir Cubworth

Published: Mon 28 July 2025