Existential Risks: The Biggest Threats to Life as We Know It
The Great Simplification #153 with Luke Kemp
The human system as we know it today – which powers our economies, global supply chains, and social contracts – is a fragile network based on innumerable complex components. Yet we rarely stop to recognize its many vulnerabilities, instead taking for granted that it will continue to securely operate indefinitely. But if we take a more careful look, how can we assess the risks of major catastrophic events that could destroy life as we know it?
Today, I’m joined by Luke Kemp, a researcher whose work is focused on existential risks (or X-risks), which encompass threats of human extinction, societal collapse, and dystopian futures. How can we begin to understand the likelihood and gravity of these ruinous events, and what kinds of responses from people and governments could further undermine social cohesion and resilience?
What roles do human biases, hierarchical power structures, and the development of technologies, like artificial intelligence and geoengineering, play in X-risks? How can we collaborate across industries to protect our modern systems through effective risk management strategies? And in what ways do our institutions need to become more inclusive to better democratize decision-making processes, leading to safer futures for humanity?
In case you missed it…
Recently, in a Frankly called The Battles of Our Time, I commented on human behavior and said that, in today's world, only three to four percent of humans are going to do the right thing and appeal to the ‘better angels’ of their nature. Last week’s Frankly was a follow-up and clarification of what I meant.
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Thank you! One of the best sense-making, integrated, well-researched discussions ever. This episode should be recommended along with Nate’s Towards a Systems Approach a (More) Sustainable Future to everyone. We need more Lukes and Nates. I hope you two collaborate more, or at least continue to keep each other informed about research and networking developments. I really appreciate Luke’s unique answers for actions individuals can take, as well as for the end questions. I’m going to find and read everything he has worked on, and eagerly await his book. (Cross-posting).
Informative learning so much from the people you highlight. I am free subscriber, is there a fee to support this podcast.