" The ‘clean energy’ challenge deserves a commitment akin to the Manhattan project or the Apollo moon landing. "
- Martin Rees

The quote emphasizes the importance of dedicating significant resources and effort towards developing clean energy sources. It suggests that such an initiative requires a level of commitment comparable to historical projects like the Manhattan Project, which developed the first nuclear weapons during World War II, or the Apollo program, aimed at landing humans on the moon. Both these ventures required immense financial investment, technological innovation, and collaboration across various scientific disciplines.

By drawing this parallel, Martin Rees underscores the urgency and scale of the challenge posed by clean energy development. The comparison implies that tackling climate change and transitioning to sustainable energy sources necessitates a similar level of national or global commitment as was seen in these historic endeavors. It highlights the need for coordinated efforts from multiple sectors including government, industry, academia, and the public. Such collaboration would ensure that technological advancements are accelerated and effectively implemented on a large scale.

Martin Rees is a renowned British astronomer and mathematician who has served as the Astronomer Royal since 1995. He also held the position of Master of Trinity College at Cambridge University from 2011 to 2017. Known for his work in cosmology, he frequently speaks on issues related to science policy and ethics, advocating for greater public awareness about scientific advancements and their societal implications. His expertise spans across multiple disciplines, making him well-versed in discussing complex topics like climate change and renewable energy with authority and insight.