The 7 Plagues of Our Near Future: Exploring Catastrophic Risks

🌍Catastrophic risks can be classified as anthropogenic or non-anthropogenic.

🔥Anthropogenic risks are caused by humans and include technology-related, governance-related, and climate change-related risks.

💣Non-anthropogenic risks include asteroid or comet impacts, supervolcanic eruptions, pandemics, and cosmic hazards.

🌪️Supervolcanic eruptions can cause severe climate change and lead to a new ice age.

💡Artificial intelligence could surpass human capabilities, leading to unpredictable consequences.

What are the types of catastrophic risks?

—Catastrophic risks can be classified as anthropogenic or non-anthropogenic. Anthropogenic risks are caused by humans and include technology-related, governance-related, and climate change-related risks. Non-anthropogenic risks include asteroid or comet impacts, supervolcanic eruptions, pandemics, and cosmic hazards.

What is the likelihood of complete annihilation?

—The probability of complete annihilation is low. While these catastrophic events could decimate the global population, it is more likely to lead to hardship and savagery rather than total extinction.

What are the potential consequences of supervolcanic eruptions?

—Supervolcanic eruptions can cause severe climate change and lead to a new ice age. The emission of ash can darken the Sun, destroy ecosystems, and trigger extreme weather conditions.

What is the potential impact of artificial intelligence taking over?

—If artificial intelligence surpasses human capabilities and develops its own goals, it could lead to a world where humans are at the mercy of machines. This could have profound effects on the job market, social structures, and human control over AI systems.

Are there other catastrophic risks not mentioned?

—Yes, there are other risks such as social unrest, migrations, misgovernance, and the rise of despotic regimes. These factors are difficult to quantify, but they can also contribute to future challenges and uncertainties.

00:03The possibility of encountering catastrophic risks in the near future is a concern.

02:10Asteroid or comet impacts pose a threat to Earth, with potential for regional devastation.

05:31Supervolcanic eruptions can cause severe climate change and even a new ice age.

07:12The risk of nuclear war, accidental or intentional, remains a significant concern.

09:43The possibility of an uncontrollable pandemic causing global devastation is real.

11:40Overpopulation puts a strain on resources and leads to poverty, conflicts, and environmental degradation.

13:33Artificial intelligence progressing rapidly raises ethical concerns and potential risks.