Nature & Environment
Apocalypse Warning: Scientists Identify Six ‘Possible Dangers' That Can Wipe Out Human Race
Sam D
First Posted: May 02, 2016 05:50 AM EDT
Researchers have identified six main reasons that could have a destructive and annihilating effect on mankind, according to a report. The probable factors have been identified as droughts, superbugs, climate change and engineered viruses that can lead to adverse effects on the global population in the next five years. In addition, nuclear war and killer robots have also been listed as possible reasons.
The claim by the scientists may sound like the plot of some Hollywood apocalyptic movie, however the threats are real and the governments are failing to take them seriously as per the report. The Global Catastrophic Risks report published by the Global Priorities Project has pointed out factors that could destroy 10 per cent or more of Earth's population, which means the annihilation of approximately 740 million people. The report has also warned that though the majority of the prevailing generations have never experienced a catastrophe, it doesn't mean that the idea is fanciful. The authors, who conducted the study, have cited the 1918 Spanish flu and plague as examples, to show how population of millions have been wiped out in the past.
According to the report, super volcanic eruptions and asteroids have also been listed as the biggest potential threats to humanity in the next five years. In the longer run, scientists are looking at causes like disease pandemics, nuclear war, catastrophic climate change and rise of artificial intelligence as factors that could harm human survival. According to Sebastian Farquhar from the Global Priorities Project, the rapid rise of manmade biology can pave the way for the creation of deadly viruses. He further feels that militant groups like the Islamic State can create their own viruses. As per other researchers, a potent form of avian flu can also mutate and kill millions in the world.
"There are some things that are on the horizon and things that probably won't happen in any one year but could happen," Sebastian Farquhar said. "They could completely reshape our world and do so in a really devastating and disastrous way. What is really important to remember is that many of these risks don't stop at the borders and wait patiently for their passports to be checked, they are truly global in nature. That is one of the things we saw with the Ebola crisis". The report calls for more funding, research and greater international co-operation to investigate the possible risks of biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), improve planning for pandemics and continually cut the figures of nuclear weapons to ensure the world is better placed to cope with the risks.
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First Posted: May 02, 2016 05:50 AM EDT
Researchers have identified six main reasons that could have a destructive and annihilating effect on mankind, according to a report. The probable factors have been identified as droughts, superbugs, climate change and engineered viruses that can lead to adverse effects on the global population in the next five years. In addition, nuclear war and killer robots have also been listed as possible reasons.
The claim by the scientists may sound like the plot of some Hollywood apocalyptic movie, however the threats are real and the governments are failing to take them seriously as per the report. The Global Catastrophic Risks report published by the Global Priorities Project has pointed out factors that could destroy 10 per cent or more of Earth's population, which means the annihilation of approximately 740 million people. The report has also warned that though the majority of the prevailing generations have never experienced a catastrophe, it doesn't mean that the idea is fanciful. The authors, who conducted the study, have cited the 1918 Spanish flu and plague as examples, to show how population of millions have been wiped out in the past.
According to the report, super volcanic eruptions and asteroids have also been listed as the biggest potential threats to humanity in the next five years. In the longer run, scientists are looking at causes like disease pandemics, nuclear war, catastrophic climate change and rise of artificial intelligence as factors that could harm human survival. According to Sebastian Farquhar from the Global Priorities Project, the rapid rise of manmade biology can pave the way for the creation of deadly viruses. He further feels that militant groups like the Islamic State can create their own viruses. As per other researchers, a potent form of avian flu can also mutate and kill millions in the world.
"There are some things that are on the horizon and things that probably won't happen in any one year but could happen," Sebastian Farquhar said. "They could completely reshape our world and do so in a really devastating and disastrous way. What is really important to remember is that many of these risks don't stop at the borders and wait patiently for their passports to be checked, they are truly global in nature. That is one of the things we saw with the Ebola crisis". The report calls for more funding, research and greater international co-operation to investigate the possible risks of biotechnology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), improve planning for pandemics and continually cut the figures of nuclear weapons to ensure the world is better placed to cope with the risks.
See Now: NASA's Juno Spacecraft's Rendezvous With Jupiter's Mammoth Cyclone