1. The population explosion and its consequences:
   1. The deterioration of our environment.
   2. Issues of health, possibility of epidemics.
   3. Selection of the least fit.

   The role of science has been significant and continues to be very important in addressing issues related to this point.

2. Issues related to discrimination and its far reaching consequences.

   This is a very difficult area to come to grips with and it is not clear that there is a scientific approach to it. My suggestion is that the scientific community formulates a number of questions, and when the right question is asked, may be, a solution can be found. Personally I am puzzled by: Why is it so easy to convince people to kill other people and thinking it is a good thing to do? There is a large literature about Hitler and the holocaust, but there is no solution to the problem. Similar scenarios on a smaller scale are happening right now. Is it useful to persecute war criminals? Are we all potentially war criminals?

3. The increasing power of the large corporations, both economical and political.

   There is seemingly no limit to the ratio of income from rich to poor in a free capitalist society. Is this a serious problem? If so, how can we approach it? It is evident that elected officials are influenced by the power of the rich and that a true democracy is an illusion. I don't know if the AAAS has a role in this area, but I would like to think so.

4. The unchecked military power of the US.

   It is clear that the US is the only superpower in the world. The rest of the world is anxiously watching the elections and any move the US makes in foreign affairs. The potential is there for misuse of power. There is a need for checks and balances at an international level. The scientific community may raise the consciousness on this point.

5. The irrational attitude towards drugs and guns.

   Why is there such an effort to eliminate certain drugs and allow others? Guns are also freely allowed and readily available. Guns are worse because they are easily used to kill others, whereas the users of drugs usually kill themselves. Drug addicts may be treated like alcoholics. The problems are usually in the person using the drugs rather than in the drugs themselves.

   I believe the scientific community can make important contributions in this area.

1. The cost-benefit issue of basic research.

   This issue will continue to come up in society, where basic research is funded by taxpayers money. It is important to have up to date eloquent examples to present to the funding agencies and the legislatures.

2. A continuing review of the frontiers of science.

   It is important to be aware of the areas where major breakthroughs can be expected. AAAS does an excellent job in this regard.

3. The transfer of technology; from basic research to practical application.

   This area is many-faceted and deserves a great deal of attention. The AAAS should play an important role here.

4. Science and religion. A continuing dialogue.

AAAS at the Millenium Board Position Paper

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Dr. C. Eugene Allen, Dr. Patricia A. Anderson, Dr. Richard Atkinson, Dr. Mary Ellen Avery, Dr. Dorothy F. Bainton, Dr. Allen J. Bard, Dr. Joost Businger, Dr. Barry Commoner, Dr. Mildred Dresselhaus, Dr. Joseph G. Gavin, Dr. Carroll Ann Hodges, Dr. Gerald Holton, Dr. Leon Lederman, Dr. William A. Lester, Jr., Dr. Simon Levin, Dr. Marcia C. Linn, Dr. Mike McCormack, Dr. Gerard Piel, Dr. Glenn T. Seaborg