23 Potential Causes of Human Extinction

Humanity faces numerous existential threats, from pandemics to nuclear war, highlighting the fragility of our existence.

### 23 Potential Causes of Human Extinction: A Comprehensive Overview
* 🌍 Humanity has existed on Earth for approximately **200,000 years**, yet the possibility of **extinction** remains a topic of concern, with **23 potential causes** explored.
* 🪐 The most studied threat is an **asteroid impact**, which could be **catastrophic like the one that led to the extinction of the dinosaurs** 65 million years ago, although such events are estimated to occur **every 100 million years**.
* 🌌 Other astronomical threats include gamma ray bursts, which could **devastate our atmosphere** if a supermassive star were to explode, and solar storms that could **disrupt Earth's magnetic field**, although these are typically **moderate in intensity**.
* 🦠 Human-related risks include a pandemic with **high transmissibility and difficulty in detection**, as well as antibiotic resistance from evolving bacteria that could **outpace our defenses**.
* ⚔ Wars, particularly with **nuclear or biological weapons**, remain a significant threat, especially in the context of **ongoing global conflicts** and the existence of **nuclear arsenals**.
* 🌡 Global warming is another pressing concern, with scientific consensus on **rising temperatures** leading to **melting ice and potential sea-level rise**, while the possibility of an **ice age** also looms as a **catastrophic alternative**.
* 💻 Technological threats such as **superintelligent artificial intelligence** and **widespread cyberattacks** could lead to **dire consequences for humanity** if not managed carefully.
* ☀ Ultimately, while the sun is expected to **expand and consume Earth in 6.5 billion years**, the immediate threats from both natural and human-induced factors pose **urgent challenges to our survival**.

Human beings have inhabited the Earth for 200,000 years. Have you ever thought about how we could become extinct? Below, we invite you to learn 23 ways in which humanity could end. Let's start with a well-studied one: could an asteroid fall that would end human life on Earth? Yes, but it is the least likely of the entire list. For this to happen, the impact must be gigantic. It is estimated that it occurs every 100 million years, so we would have to be quite unlucky to witness an event of this nature. It would be something similar to what happened in the mass extinction that put an end to the dinosaurs. And, in total, three quarters of the plants and animals on Earth. It happened no less than 65 million years ago. But other types of problems could reach us from space. Like a gamma ray burst. This could be generated by the extinction of a supermassive star. At that moment, two jets of gamma rays are emitted into space with enormous energy.

that, if it reached Earth, would destroy the atmosphere and the ozone layer. So far, none have been observed in the Milky Way, and it is believed that it can happen in this galaxy in an approximate time ranging from 100,000 to a million years. There could be similar consequences from being exposed to cosmic radiation, but it doesn't seem very likely in the near term either. And the last one related to astronomy: a solar storm. These events consist of an increase in particles that are emitted in solar flares and that reach us. Although they occur regularly, they are generally moderate in intensity. If there were a more powerful one, a great disturbance could be generated in the Earth's magnetic field, and the consequences would be devastating. We put down the telescopes and focus on what happens inside human beings. There is a risk that we experienced not so long ago: a pandemic. Unlike Covid, it would have to have a much more devastating power: it should be more easily transmitted, it should be difficult to detect, and it should also not kill

so quickly, since if that happens, the transmission could not continue either. Additionally, it would have to be complex enough that we couldn't find an antidote in time. Another linked to biology is the development of resistance to antibiotics. Bacteria can evolve. And if they do it at a speed greater than what we have to fight against them, they can win the fight against us, and in this way lead us to a situation with no way out. Another risk that exists around us is a possible failure in genetic manipulation experiments. This could generate catastrophic DNA alteration and disorders. Linked to this issue, there are researchers who warn that one of humanity's problems is its low genetic variation. This could also lead to a degradation of the species, leading to its extinction. We move on to another group of issues, in this case linked to human action. Can we add wars as a possible cause? Of course yes, especially since nuclear arsenals or biological weapons were developed. It was a very latent risk at the time of the Cold War.

It seemed to dissipate later, but in our days, in the midst of constant armed conflicts and with several countries with nuclear weapons, it is something that we cannot stop contemplating. The tenth issue is an excessive increase in population. At different times, people have warned about the complications that overpopulation of the Earth can bring. So far, humans have found a way to cope, although environmental degradation has occurred. The next topic could be related, but not necessarily. A food or water crisis that also leads humanity to a dead end. But just as people warn about overpopulation, others point to the opposite: birth rates are falling in much of the developed world, and global population growth has slowed down. This is, according to this view, a first step towards the extinction of a species in retreat. Let's change the subject and go to something that many are probably expecting: the eruption of a tremendous volcano. While it may be widely mentioned, the probability seems to be low. As there were important events in the past, there is great monitoring on the issue,

and it seems that the chances are not many. In the past, one of the most relevant was the eruption of Toba, on the island of Sumatra, where the largest crater lake in the world is now located. There is an unconfirmed theory that the volcanic event that occurred there 70,000 years ago reduced the world's population to a few thousand people. Another of the most anticipated, and the one that for many today seems the most probable, is linked to global warming. There is consensus in the scientific field about the increase in temperatures on the planet, although it is not yet known how far it can go. If no action is taken, the consequences can be devastating. Melting ice and rising sea levels would be just the beginning. Although it may seem strange, some point out that the opposite could happen: that we pass this stage and then enter an ice age. A new ice age could also be catastrophic and would make much of the planet uninhabitable for us. We continue with atmospheric issues.

For different reasons, the ozone layer could also be destroyed, and this would leave us exposed to the ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. One that does not seem very likely but is striking is a possible reversal of the Earth's magnetic field. This has happened several times since the creation of the planet, although it is very sporadic: the last time was 780,000 years ago. Some point out that during this change, the Earth would be exposed to an increase in cosmic radiation, which could affect us as a species. Now, one of the most unusual: an accident linked to strangelets. These are subatomic particles of strange matter, although their existence is a theory. So, what could happen to them is even more speculative. Some point out that if they came into contact with normal matter, it could turn it into a strangelet. In a matter of hours, the entire planet could be a large mass of these particles. And what about artificial intelligence? There are many specialists who warn about the dangers

of creating machines that surpass us in different aspects. The apocalyptic alternatives, in this case, are two. The first would be that these superintelligent machines have the will, as well as the ability, to end humans because they consider it to be the best for their future. The second would be a more accidental question. Let's think, for example, of an intelligence created to meet a certain objective. To achieve this, it could consider that the best path is to eliminate humanity, and it would put all his resources to achieve the objective. An issue that is linked is that of autonomous weapons. Although today there is no one that is completely independent, there are increasingly more sophisticated drones. Your relationship with artificial intelligence, without the necessary care, can lead to enormous risk. There is another technological issue that can be complex: cyberattacks. A hack on a planetary scale could collapse all institutions and systems, with consequences that we cannot yet fully imagine. If none of these 22 alternatives seem risky enough to you,

We have one that should be convincing. Within a while, the sun will expand in such a way that it will consume planet Earth. Anyway, don't worry: that will happen in 6.5 billion years. Which of these alternatives do you think is the most likely? Leave your comment below. We also invite you to support us so we can continue with the channel. You can buy our book, become a member of Un Mundo Inmenso, or like this video. Until next time.

Las 23 maneras en las que puede terminar la humanidad

Un Mundo Inmenso

Humanity has inhabited Earth for 200,000 years, and there are various potential ways for our extinction.

Asteroid impacts, while possible, are rare and occur every 100 million years.

Other space-related threats include gamma ray bursts, cosmic radiation, and solar storms, with the latter having the potential to cause devastating disturbances in Earth's magnetic field.

Additionally, a highly transmissible and undetectable pandemic could pose a significant risk to human survival.

The rapid evolution of bacteria can lead to antibiotic resistance, potentially causing a losing battle for humans.

Genetic manipulation experiments pose a risk of catastrophic DNA alterations, while low genetic variation in humans could lead to species degradation and extinction.

Human actions, such as wars and overpopulation, along with potential food or water crises, also contribute to the risks of humanity's survival.

Potential Catastrophic Events for Humanity

The Toba eruption 70,000 years ago may have drastically reduced the world's population.

Global warming is a major concern, with potential devastating consequences like melting ice and rising sea levels.

Other potential threats include the destruction of the ozone layer, a reversal of the Earth's magnetic field, strangelet accidents, and the dangers posed by artificial intelligence.

Superintelligent machines pose two apocalyptic threats: deliberately ending humanity for their future or accidentally eliminating humans to achieve their objectives.

The rise of autonomous weapons and sophisticated drones increases the risk associated with artificial intelligence.

Additionally, cyberattacks on a global scale could collapse institutions and systems, while the sun's eventual expansion poses a long-term threat to Earth.