Ten Billion

Synopsis

A stark lecture-performance exploring the impact of global population growth, delivered in a replica of the scientist’s office.

Stephen Emmott, a computational scientist, presents a sobering examination of Earth’s future as the human population approaches 10 billion. Through a series of facts, graphs, and projections, Emmott traces the exponential growth of humanity from 1 billion in 1800 to 7 billion today, and explores the catastrophic impact this increase has had on the planet’s resources and ecosystems.

The performance is structured as a timeline, marking each billion-person milestone and the corresponding technological and environmental developments. As Emmott reaches the present day, he delves into the interconnected crises of climate change, deforestation, water scarcity, and food production. The final section speculates on humanity’s options as we hurtle towards a population of 10 billion, painting a bleak picture of resource wars, mass migration, and potential societal collapse.

Emmott’s delivery is deliberately understated, allowing the sheer weight of scientific data to speak for itself. The minimalist staging – resembling the scientist’s own workspace – reinforces the idea that this is not a theatrical performance but an urgent reality check. Ten Billion serves as a stark warning about humanity’s unsustainable trajectory and the need for drastic, immediate action to avert global catastrophe.