From a starting point that emphasised the changing nature of the world and the globalisation of everyday life, this lecture demonstrated the many ways in which globalisation impacts on health, and health impacts on globalisation. Dr Kickbusch explored the implications of 'good global governance for health', and the possibility of achieving a global healthy treaty.

We’ve got the future in our hands: Are we up to it? There is mounting evidence that the demands of everyday life in these complex and uncertain times is presenting humanity with both a threat to survival and also an opportunity for evolutionary transformation. Is humanity being pushed beyond our limits to cope or are we instead on the cusp of a breakthrough in consciousness on a global scale? Is the rising tide of mental anguish - anxiety, depression, suicide, addiction and violence - a sign that we are being overtaken by our powerful times? Or is the newly enlivened participatory impulse that swept a young African American man into the White House an indication that we are growing up and developing expanded psychological capacities, new forms of thinking and social innovation. In this lecture psychologist Maureen O'Hara will take a fresh look at the challenges of the globalising 21st century. She will suggest that if we understand what is happening from an evolutionary perspective, we may be able to learn our way into a more humane future.

The first Seminar Series event of 2011 took place on Wednesday 19th January at the Teacher Building, Glasgow. Hazel Henderson spoke live from Florida via webcast. At the seminar Hazel discussed the implications of recognising global finance as a commons for re-structuring our current global casinos. She explored how to restore the purpose of finance as serving the real economies of the world, as well as the principles that should guide finance in the service of people and planet and outline the limits of markets and money itself. She examined how best to defend the global commons: atmosphere, oceans, biodiversity, etc. from inappropriate market penetration and protect human rights, especially those of indigenous peoples in non-market societies and their traditional cultures and lands. Her seminar also raised possible implications of socially responsible investing at the local level.

A growing number of people, including millions from Britain, have been entering a global precariat, part of an emerging class structure shaped by globalisation. In this lecture, drawing on his new book, The Precariat: A New Dangerous Class, Professor Standing examined the labour market dynamics that underpin the growth of the precariat and set out the nucleus of a new 'politics of paradise' that is beginning to take shape outside the political mainstream.