Guests on the podcast talk about the existential risks faced by humanity, including asteroid impacts, the potential for human colonization of other planets, the runaway greenhouse effect caused by climate change, and the dangers of intelligent algorithms evolving beyond human control.
Humans face existential risks on Earth due to natural events like gamma ray bursts and runaway greenhouse effect.
Advancements in space exploration and colonization can help mitigate the risks of supernovas and the growth of our sun.
Deep dives
Existential risks in Earth's history
Earth has faced numerous existential risks in its history, including asteroid impacts and natural catastrophes. One example is the asteroid impact that caused the Cretaceous-Tertiary extinction, leading to the demise of dinosaurs and the rise of surviving species. Such events remind us that despite a relatively calm period in Earth's history, we cannot assume that it will always be smooth sailing.
The future of humanity and space colonization
As an earthbound species, humans face the possibility of existential risks, including the growth of our sun and potential supernovas. However, future advancements in space exploration and colonization have the potential to mitigate these risks. By spreading to other planets and galaxies, humans can ensure their survival and escape the limitations of Earth.
Runaway greenhouse effect and climate change
Climate change poses a significant anthropogenic existential risk. While the likelihood of triggering a runaway greenhouse effect, similar to what happened on Venus, is currently low, it serves as a reminder that we need to address our contribution to climate change. The impact of a runaway greenhouse effect would lead to uninhabitable conditions on Earth, making it imperative to take action.
The importance of understanding and mitigating risks
While natural existential risks have relatively low probabilities, the consequences are so catastrophic that they demand attention. Anthropogenic risks, on the other hand, have a higher probability due to human activities, and our current understanding suggests an increasing risk in the future. It is crucial to recognize and address these risks through responsible decision-making and adopting preventative measures.
Humans have faced existential risks since our species was born. Because we are Earthbound, what happens to Earth happens to us. Josh points out that there’s a lot that can happen to Earth - like gamma ray bursts, supernovae, and runaway greenhouse effect. (Original score by Point Lobo.)
Interviewees: Robin Hanson, George Mason University economist (creator of the Great Filter hypothesis); Ian O’Neill, astrophysicist and science writer; Toby Ord, Oxford University philosopher.