Economist Podcasts The next threat: confronting global risks
Jun 30, 2020
Oliver Morton, a briefings editor, shares his insights on global risks, while Alok Jha, The Economist's science correspondent, delves into pandemic preparedness. Hal Hodson, focusing on technology in Asia, highlights long-term existential threats. The conversation explores the unpredictable nature of global crises, emphasizing proactive measures against future pandemics and catastrophic events. The guests discuss the critical need for collaboration and investment in health security, as well as the role of AI in navigating these challenges.
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The Carrington Event
- In 1859, a solar flare caused auroras and disrupted telegraphs.
- Today, a similar event could devastate our electromagnetic world, impacting grids, satellites, and GPS.
Overlooking Catastrophic Risks
- Governments rarely plan for catastrophic risks due to their low probability.
- These risks, despite being unlikely, warrant attention due to their potentially high impact.
Preparedness Matters
- Early warning and preparedness are crucial for mitigating catastrophic events.
- Countries like Taiwan, with good plans, fared better during the pandemic.