Global Catastrophic Risks [Paperback]

A Global Catastrophic Risk is one that has the potential to inflict serious damage to human well-being on a global scale. This book focuses on such risks arising from natural catastrophes (Earth-based or beyond), nuclear war, terrorism, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, artificial intelligence and social collapse.A global catastrophic risk is one with the potential to wreak death and destruction on a global scale. In human history, wars and plagues have done so on more than one occasion, and misguided ideologies and totalitarian regimes have darkened an entire era or a region. Advances in technology are adding dangers of a new kind. It could happen again.InGlobal Catastrophic Risks25 leading experts look at the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century, including asteroid impacts, gamma-ray bursts, Earth-based natural catastrophes, nuclear war, terrorism, global warming, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, general artificial intelligence, and social collapse. The book also addresses over-arching issues - policy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes.This is invaluable reading for anyone interested in the big issues of our time; for students focusing on science, society, technology, and public policy; and for academics, policy-makers, and professionals working in these acutely important fields.AcknowledgementsForeword,Sir Martin J. ReesIntroduction,Nick Bostrom and Milan M. CirkovicI BackgroundLong-term astrophysical processes,Fred C. AdamsEvolution theory and the future of humanity,Christopher WillsMillenial tendencies in responses to apocalyptic threats,James J. HughesCognitive biases potentially affecting judgement of global risks,Eliezer YudkowskyObservation selection effects and global catastrophic risks,Milan M. CirkovicSystems-based risk analysis,Yacov Y. HaimesCatastrophes and il3&