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Quirks and Quarks’ Bob McDonald Brings “What If?” Lecture to Lethbridge.

Feb 9, 2016 | 8:33 AM

LETHBRIDGE:  What if everything we know is wrong?

That was the title of a lecture at the University of Lethbridge Monday night by the host of CBC’s science news program Quirks and Quarks Bob McDonald.

McDonald says over history, time and time again, science has shown us our ignorance is greater than our knowledge.

“We think we’re so smart here in the 21st century but most of the universe is still unknown to us. It’s dark energy and dark matter. They make up 95% of the universe and we haven’t got a clue what they are, so we still have a long way to go.”

McDonald says moving forward we need to discover new ways to live on earth before it is too late.

Part of his lecture includes the idea of planning a party six million years from now but then asking ourselves if we could last that long with the way we currently live and use the earth’s resources.

McDonald has toured this lecture across Canada and says people have been receptive because they like the idea of going beyond what they see.

“[There’s a] difference between your world and your planet. Your planet is what’s out there. It’s the whole thing. Your world is what you live in. And very often we live in very small worlds. We only think about our own needs”

He adds if there is one thing he hopes the audience takes from his lecture is, “We live in a fabulous planet. Get out and explore it.”

McDonald has hosted Quirks and Quarks since 1992.