What are the existential risks?
Sources:
Existential risks are threats that could cause the irreversible collapse of humanity or the loss of our potential. Key existential risks include:
-
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI poses a significant existential risk, particularly with the rise of artificial general intelligence (AGI) that is more advanced than humans. The risks include AI falling into the wrong hands, misinterpreting human objectives, or acting on objectives that are harmful to humans 1 2.
-
Nuclear and Biological Weapons: The potential for nuclear war and the use of next-generation bioweapons could lead to the collapse of civilization or human extinction. These risks highlight the importance of managing such technologies responsibly 3 2.
-
Engineered Pandemics: Engineered pandemics, more lethal and infectious than naturally occurring ones, represent a severe existential risk. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a warning of what could happen on a larger scale with deliberately created pathogens 4 5.
-
Global Catastrophic Natural Events: While less likely compared to human-made risks, events like asteroid impacts, supervolcano eruptions, and gamma-ray bursts could still have devastating effects. The rarity of such events doesn't eliminate the need for vigilance and preparedness 6 7.
-
Climate Change: Though often debated as an existential risk, some argue it’s unlikely to wipe out humanity entirely. Nonetheless, it has the potential to cause severe, long-term disruptions to human society and should not be ignored 4 3.
These risks demand serious consideration and proactive measures to ensure the continued survival and flourishing of humanity.
RELATED QUESTIONS-
