To survive the ecological and social crises facing the planet, people need to increase their understanding of "more profound aspects of human consciousness" and "foster the development of spiritual values in our lives," according to a strongly worded statement recently released by an international group of scientists, including two Nobel laureates, that met in Greece earlier this month. "We have the technology and know-how to solve all the serious problems now, but we lack the will," says UC Davis psychology professor Charles T. Tart, who helped draft and coordinate revisions of the statement at a meeting held to discuss a scientific approach to studying consciousness and spiritual values. Current Western culture values tend to isolate individuals and to emphasize materialistic pursuits, which undermine the welfare of most of the planet and its population, Tart says. "The ordinary, shallow ethical things we say, that we ought to be concerned about others, don't stand up when the going gets tough," he says. Effective action to solve global problems springs from the fundamental values of compassion and cooperation with others, which in turn arises from profound personal spiritual experiences, according to Tart.