Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited
[Regnum] Nuclear war and the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the extinction of humanity by 2100. This is according to a study by the International Commission on Global Health Threats of the 21st Century, published in the British medical journal The Lancet.
Pretty much anything could happen. The question is whether it’s likely. But as someone said, prediction is easy, especially about the future.Scientists have examined 17 major threats to humanity over the next 75 years. Two of them, nuclear conflict and the malicious use of AI, could lead to the complete extinction of the human species, although the researchers assess the likelihood of such an outcome as low.
In the event of a nuclear war, large-scale fires could release massive amounts of soot into the atmosphere. This would reduce the amount of sunlight reaching Earth, cause a decline in crop yields, and could lead to global famine. Experts associate the danger of AI primarily with the possibility of its use in the development of biological weapons.
Other global threats identified by the report's authors include climate change, air pollution, antibiotic resistance, pandemics, child malnutrition, obesity, and mental health issues. The list also includes armed conflict, smoking, alcohol abuse, high blood pressure, and income inequality.
The researchers paid particular attention to the reduction in international healthcare assistance. This could lead to increased morbidity and premature mortality, with sub-Saharan African countries estimated to account for nearly 70% of the associated health losses.
Study co-author Christopher Murray, a professor at the University of Washington, stated that the health and well-being of future generations depends on the decisions of current world leaders. Experts believe that timely action will mitigate the damage from each of the identified threats.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of the danger of using weapons capable of destroying all life on the planet. The head of state stated that one cannot be sure that such weapons will never be used. He also drew attention to the risks of introducing AI into defense, including the ability of modern systems to make independent decisions.
Tesla and SpaceX founder Elon Musk has previously spoken out about the threat of human extinction due to the development of AI. In April, the businessman warned that the uncontrolled development of this technology could lead to a scenario similar to that depicted in the film "The Terminator."