Existential Threats

One can define “Existential Threats (X-Threats)” as ‘Existential Risks’ that threaten human extinction or the permanent collapse of civilization. X-Threats potentially risk the extinction of life, including the human species. 

 

Every day, we encounter numerous challenges in our complex world.“X- Threats” has spawned a multitude of problems, tightening its grip on ecosystems worldwide. Failing to address these challenges will only exacerbate other issues, endangering life on earth.

X-Threats are considered under the Sustainable Development Goal as clusters of Planet, Peace, People and Prosperity.Our planet is facing threats ranging from mass extinctions caused by climate emergencies to the looming crisis of biodiversity collapse. Furthermore, our people are confronted with inequalities, food and water insecurity, which serve as drivers for migration and conflict.

 

In terms of peace, we must confront the grim reality of nuclear, chemical, and biological warfare, including the terrifying prospect of engineered pandemics. Moreover, the advent of digital warfare and artificial intelligence presents new challenges to global stability and security.

 

Finally, our prosperity is at stake, with mechanical, technical, and industrialization processes contributing to unsustainable growth and environmental degradation.Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and genetic engineering also introduce new uncertainties and potential risks to our way of life.

The Escalating Nexus of X-Threats and Risks
Key X-Threats, Risks, Impacts & Timescales

Firstly, we examine the state of our planet, where we are confronted with the ominous specter of runaway tipping points from climate change and catastrophic biodiversity collapse. The next few years are pivotal, as tipping points are being exceeded, posing irreversible damage to our ecosystems.

 

Turning to our people, we face the looming threat of future pandemics. The evolving nature of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants, coupled with the increasing feasibility of synthetic infections which can be released accidentally or weaponized underscore the persistent risk of pandemics.

 

In terms of peace, continuing and escalating conflict are a high risk for nuclear disaster, whether from weapons or targeting nuclear power stations which  highlight the urgency of addressing these threats.

Furthermore, our prosperity is jeopardized by emerging technologies and unsustainable growth. The uncontrollable catastrophic impacts of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), surpassing multiple human capabilities, pose a formidable challenge. With AGI likely to emerge within the next few years, proactive measures are essential to mitigate its risks.

Key X-Threats, Risks, Impacts & Timescales

In past extinctions volcanic eruptions have  released vast amounts of gases and aerosols into the atmosphere, leading to climate disturbances and environmental changes that disrupted ecosystems and triggered mass extinctions. Similarly, asteroid impacts can result in catastrophic events such as tsunamis, wildfires, and global darkness from debris, all of which can have profound effects on life on Earth. 

In conclusion, addressing these existential challenges requires immediate and concerted efforts from governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide. Only through collective action and commitment to sustainable solutions can we safeguard the future of humanity and the planet.

Useful weblinks:

  1. Advancing a Global Security Council on Existential Threats for Humanity.
  2. Global Youth Security Council | One Young World
  3. Human Security and Existential Threats: A Governance Framework for Planet, Peace, People & Prosperity | Cadmus Journal
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