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The threat that dare not speak its name: human extinction
1Laboratory of Computational Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Professorial Block, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, USA. repstein@hku.hk
Perspectives in Biology and Medicine
|January 27, 2009
Summary
Human extinction is inevitable, yet public concern is low due to ignorance and denial. Raising awareness and developing extinction-delaying strategies are crucial for long-term societal interests.
Area of Science:
- Existential risk studies
- Societal long-termism
- Human future studies
Background:
- Human extinction, while not imminent, is an inevitable long-term prospect.
- A notable lack of public and professional discourse surrounds this critical issue.
- This disinterest stems from ignorance and denial, jeopardizing societal long-term interests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the academic and public neglect of human extinction.
- To advocate for increased awareness and proactive strategies concerning existential risks.
- To challenge complacent and anthropocentric viewpoints that hinder long-term planning.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on existential risk and societal adaptation.
- Analysis of public and professional discourse on human extinction.
- Conceptual framework for motivating social norm reform.
Main Results:
- Scarcity of publications indicates a significant gap in addressing human extinction.
- Current societal pace of change outpaces adaptive capacities, increasing vulnerability.
- Ignorance and denial contribute to a lack of preparedness for inevitable extinction.
Conclusions:
- Academics must raise awareness about human extinction to prompt action.
- Developing strategies to prolong the time to extinction is essential.
- Shifting social norms away from complacency is vital for benefiting future generations.
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