Are we all screwed?

Question

Dr Hawking asked a similar question the other day.

Global dimming. Global warming. VX gas. Nukes. Drinking water. Oil.

What's going to destroy life as we know it, and how long have we got?

And on what do you base that alarming assertion?

Answer 1

Most forecasts for this century are growing increasingly grim. Primarily, most scientists appear to be quite alarmed by global warming. The increasing temperatures and other effects that we are experiencing now are the consequence of greenhouse gases emitted in the early 1900's. As we all know, the 20th century saw an exponential increase in greenhouse gas emission; thus global warming can only get worse this century. The conclusion reached by many is that we are either very near or already past the point of any meaningful return to stasis. In other words, we have managed to engineer climate change at a rate to which most species of animals and plants cannot begin to adapt. Expect, at a minimum, a mass extinction that will eliminate at least 50% of all species that presently exist. Among human beings, expect a mortality of at least 80%. If human civilization takes action now perhaps the extinction rate among humans can be held to that level. Consider this: at present, there are roughly 6.5 billion people in the world. In the next decade or so, that number is expected to double, perhaps even triple. However, most models predict that no more than two billion humans will be alive by 2100. Civilization as we know it cannot be expected to be maintained given the scope of such a catastrophe.

However, given the increasing demand for resources at a time when supply is declining, this century will almost certainly see at least one nuclear war fought primarily over resource acquisition. What cannot be clearly forecasted is whether such wars will remain purely regional conflicts such as between India and Pakistan, or whether they will expand into extinction level events.

Unless we halt further greenhouse gas emissions, the environment on this planet can only grow worse. And, unless we develop technology that can remove gases such as CO2 out of our atmosphere, we have bequeathed our children and grandchildren a world that by any stretch of the imagination resembles hell. This crisis is already upon us and will worsen. However, it is to be hoped that nuclear extinction, perhaps even nuclear war itself, can be averted by a more comprehensive understanding of what must be done if humanity is to survive itself.

Answer 2

Nahhhhh. It's gonna be something we can't even see. Some virulent flu virus, hanta virus or other microscopic bug that will get loose and kill us all.

Global warming? Too slow, gives humanity time to react.
Global dimming? See above.
VX gas? Good lord! Do you know how much you would need to obliterate humankind?
Oil? Too many alternate sources of energy are coming on line.
Nukes? Those whut has nukes has too much to lose. Money is the new weapon.
Drinking water? May be expensive but there are oceans of water and desalinization plants are high-tech now days.

Influenza, hanta, ebola, mumps (mumps!?!?! yes, can be deadly to adults), or some bug we ain't heard of yet.

Meanwhile, I think I'll have another beer.

Answer 3

Don't worry!!, cool down, relax....... Have a beer, walk along a quiet and calm path and prey to god!! Why should we take tension? If sky is falling, let it fall!! But be sure to have a couple of beer before that happens. If you don't know when the sky will fall, take beer always and wait for it. One fine day it will definitely fall. You can also try some french fries and burger along with beer. Ha, don't worry to smoke in between. If you have a girl friend or boy friend, have him/her always with you (drinking beer)

nice day!!!

Answer 4

Its a race - it will become more and more obvious as the
planet's resources become less and less usable or available ...
vs. our ability to use technology and change our habits to
take that into account.

People will die. Many of them.

The only question in my mind is will ALL of them die?

He is right - our ability to segment our population so that
one element cannot easily destroy another is paramount to
our survival.

He suggests space travel as a possible window, if we can
get good at it within the next century. Frankly, I see no other
hope.

Answer 5

Yes, it will all come to a head sooner or later. But to sit and freak out about it would be a complete waste of energy.

Also check into:
earth orbit crossing celestial bodies (asteroids comets etc)
super volcanos (Yellowstone)
and massive sudden tectonic movement.

Answer 6

Well this may be the biblical end,

but people are always saying that I know.

There is always a critical mass failure around the corner and there always will be. When it ends we will not know for we will be dead. So the question is irrelevant.

Do the best you can with what you have.

Answer 7

I'm not sure about the whole global warming thing....i think we get in cycles of weather.
as what is going to destroy life as we know it......EACH OTHER

Answer 8

Drink beer. Pass out. The sun will rise tomorrow.

Answer 9

Why bother? We're all gonna die anyway.

Unless you have the power to control a huge number of people, if not, just like your life to the fullest!

Answer 10

i am going to predict that the stench coming from my panties on this 105 degree day will wipe out the world in about 30 minutes