Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg How can we save the world? (with Toby Ord)
Jul 15, 2021
Toby Ord, a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford, dives into existential risks that threaten humanity's future, discussing topics from climate change to technological dangers like AI and engineered pandemics. He explains the distinction between catastrophic and existential risks, emphasizing that supervolcanoes may pose a more immediate threat than asteroids. The conversation also explores long-termism and our moral obligations to future generations, underscoring the need for global cooperation and innovative solutions to ensure a safe and secure world.
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The Precipice
- The "precipice" describes the current era of heightened existential risk due to humanity's increasing power.
- We must navigate this precarious period to secure our long-term future.
Wisdom vs. Technology
- Humanity's technological power grows exponentially, but wisdom grows much slower.
- This mismatch creates a dangerous imbalance, requiring greater wisdom to manage global-scale risks.
Extinction Probability
- A fixed annual extinction probability, however small, guarantees eventual human extinction.
- Long-term survival requires extremely low or declining extinction probabilities.
