With the development of science and technology and the growth of population, mankind is facing more and more challenges and disasters. These challenges include climate change, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, nuclear war, and uncontrolled artificial intelligence. This video explores the root causes of these disasters and the impact they may have on human survival and development.
1. Climate change. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today, according to the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have risen by about 1 degree Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, and if decisive action is not taken, global temperatures are expected to rise by 3-4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, leading to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the destruction of ecosystems and human society.
In 2017, for example, the United States suffered its worst hurricane season in history, causing more than $100 billion in economic damage. In addition, extreme weather events are increasing around the world, such as bushfires in Australia, floods in the Yangtze River basin in China, and heat waves in India.
Second, resource depletion. With population growth and economic development, the earth's resources are being consumed at an unprecedented rate. According to the World Bank, global energy demand is expected to peak around 2040 before it begins to decline. However, the current energy mix is still dominated by fossil fuels, resulting in a large number of greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating the problem of global climate change. Water resources, land resources and mineral resources are also at risk of depletion.
For example, the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that by 2050, about three-quarters of the world's population will face water scarcity. To meet this challenge, governments and companies need to invest more in renewable energy, resource efficiency, and water-saving measures.
3. Biodiversity loss. Biodiversity loss is another problem that threatens human survival and development. According to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, about 1 million species of organisms on Earth are currently threatened with extinction, many of which are caused by human activities, such as deforestation, overfishing, illegal wildlife trade, etc., and the loss of biodiversity will have a serious impact on the stability of ecosystems and human well-being. For example, bees, as important pollinators, are essential for agricultural production. However, in recent years, the number of bees has declined dramatically, leading to a decline in food production. In addition, biodiversity loss may lead to an increased risk of the emergence and spread of new diseases.
Nuclear war. Although the use of nuclear weapons is extremely destructive, the international community has been working to avert nuclear war since the Second World War. However, as geopolitical tensions intensify, the existence of nuclear weapons still poses a great threat to humanity. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, there are currently about 13,500 nuclear weapons in the world, enough to raze the earth to the ground many times.
Fifth, artificial intelligence is out of control. While AI has brought great convenience and advancement to humanity, its development also comes with potential risks that could lead to serious security threats if Al technology falls into the hands of malicious actors. In 2015, for example, Israel's Eternal Flame virus successfully damaged Iran's nuclear facilities. In addition, AI technology may also exacerbate social inequality and unemployment, such as the development of automation and robotics, which may lead to the loss of a large number of low-skilled workers.
In summary, mankind will face many disasters and challenges in the future, and in order to ensure the sustainable development and prosperity of mankind, only by strengthening cooperation to jointly deal with these problems can we create a better future for future generations. Gentlemen, please pay attention, thank you.