Chair

Geoff Watts (BBC Radio 4's Leading Edge)

Speakers

Professor Aubrey Manning OBE (University of Edinburgh), Professor John Guillebaud (UCL), Roger Martin (Optimum Population Trust), Fred Pearce (New Scientist, Guardian), Savina Geerinckx (Street Child Africa), The Reverend Jeremy Caddick (University of Cambridge)

Rising population is one of the most important issues facing our planet today. The GENE MEME population debate asked: What should be done about it?

During the one-and-a-half hour debate, a panel of experts discussed this critical issue. They addressed topics like: Whose problem is it? What are the demographics? What are the options? What are the practical problems? What ethical issues might be involved? Should anything be done at all?

Experts opened with a short statement of their position, followed by a comprehensive and lively panel discussion managed by the chair. A ticketed public audience of more than 150 people was given the opportunity to put questions to the panel.

The debate was sponsored by Deus Belgian beer brewed by the Bosteels Brewery