I asked GPT-4 for a list of the most important threats to human civilization, their likelihood, and why they were considered threats.

GPT’s output is also pasted into the comments.

  • intensely_humanOP
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    1 year ago

    Absolutely:

    1. Climate Change (70 - 80%):

      • Rising sea levels causing coastal city displacement.
      • More frequent and severe natural disasters, such as hurricanes and wildfires.
      • Agricultural disruptions leading to food shortages.
      • Climate-induced migrations causing geopolitical tensions.
      • Ocean acidification damaging marine ecosystems.
    2. Nuclear Warfare (5 - 10%):

      • Immediate loss of life from blast and thermal radiation.
      • Long-term radiation exposure causing health issues and deaths.
      • Nuclear winter, severely impacting global climate and agriculture.
      • Societal collapse due to infrastructural damage.
      • Contamination of natural resources.
    3. Pandemics (40 - 50%):

      • Massive loss of life and strain on healthcare systems.
      • Economic downturns due to lockdowns and decreased consumer confidence.
      • Disruptions in global trade and supply chains.
      • Increased mental health issues due to isolation and stress.
      • Reduced mobility leading to cultural and educational setbacks.
    4. Artificial Intelligence Misuse (20 - 30%):

      • Loss of jobs due to unchecked automation.
      • Misinformation campaigns undermining democratic processes.
      • Unintended consequences from AI decisions in critical systems.
      • Surveillance and privacy concerns.
      • AI-driven cyber-attacks.
    5. Biodiversity Loss (60 - 70%):

      • Disruption of ecosystems, leading to loss of services they provide.
      • Increased vulnerability to pests and diseases.
      • Reduced agricultural productivity and food security.
      • Loss of medicinal resources and potential discoveries.
      • Negative impact on cultural and recreational values.
    6. Economic Collapse (20 - 25%):

      • Mass unemployment and reduced quality of life.
      • Collapse of essential services and infrastructure.
      • Increased crime rates and social unrest.
      • Potential for political upheavals and radicalization.
      • Long-term stagnation and reduced global cooperation.
    7. Asteroid Impact (0.01 - 0.1%):

      • Immediate loss of life from impact event.
      • Global climate changes due to debris and soot.
      • Disruption of global food chains leading to famines.
      • Economic collapses due to widespread infrastructure damage.
      • Potential for long-term ecological and atmospheric disturbances.
    8. Geomagnetic Storms (10 - 15%):

      • Widespread power outages and grid failures.
      • Disruption of satellite communication and navigation systems.
      • Economic losses due to infrastructure damage.
      • Potential aviation hazards.
      • Disruption in digital communication networks.
    9. Resource Depletion (40 - 50%):

      • Increased prices leading to economic strain.
      • Potential for geopolitical conflicts over resources.
      • Reduced quality of life due to scarcity.
      • Environmental degradation from over-extraction.
      • Societal tensions and potential migrations due to resource inequalities.
    10. Political Instability (30 - 40%):

    • Regional conflicts potentially escalating to global wars.
    • Disruptions in global trade and diplomatic relations.
    • Mass migrations and refugee crises.
    • Economic downturns and potential resource hoarding.
    • Erosion of democratic values and human rights.

    .