Problem
Risk of ecoaccidents
Other Names:
Risk of ecocatastropheEvolutionary catastrophes
Nature:
Abrupt and widespread discontinuities exist in the fossil record of fauna and are considered evidence of widespread mass extinction of species. These low frequency events have been attributed to fluctuations in sea level, reversals of the geomagnetic fields (exposing the earth's surface to lethal radiation), impacts of the earth by very large meteors (putting tons of dust into the atmosphere cutting off photosynthesis) and supernovae (causing catastrophic but temporary climate changes). There are also a range of potential man-made ecocatastrophes, such as triggering an earthquake with a an underground nuclear explosion. In addition, there are other more fantastic possibilities. The sun will expand into a red star engulfing Mercury and Venus and melting lead on the Earth. The moon can fall to earth, a comet, a swarm of meteorites or a black hole could collide with the earth. The earth will eventually loose its atmosphere. A life form might evolve destroying all of humankind.
Broader Problems:
RiskGlobal crisis Narrower Problems:
Human racial regressionHazardous geo-engineeringRecurring mass extinctions of species Related Problems:
Pathologies of civilization Strategies:
Adapting to climate changeRisking eco-accidentsReducing risk of ecoaccidentsUndertaking pre-disaster planning Values:
CatastropheRiskRisk-aversion References:
Cairns, John: Ecoaccidents Subject(s):
Biosciences → Evolution and speciesSocietal Problems → Accidents
Societal Problems → Emergencies
Societal Problems → Hazards
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
10.04.2019 – 15:13 CEST