Precipice: 'A book that seems made for the present moment' New Yorker

Humanity faces existential threats from climate change, nuclear war, engineered pandemics, and advanced artificial intelligence. Oxford moral philosopher Toby Ord explores these risks and calculates the various risk levels, showing how our own time fits within the larger story of human history. He calls for a new understanding of our age and a reorientation in the way we see the world, our history, and the role we play in it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The human species faces a multitude of existential threats that pose significant risks to our future. These threats encompass a wide range of factors, including climate change, nuclear war, pandemics, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI). Climate change, driven by human activities such as greenhouse gas emissions, has the potential to cause widespread disruptions to ecosystems, economies, and human societies. Nuclear war, while unlikely, remains a significant threat due to the proliferation of nuclear weapons and the instability of international relations. Pandemics, such as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, can have devastating consequences, affecting millions of lives and disrupting global supply chains. Advanced AI, with its ability to learn and adapt at an unprecedented rate, poses risks such as job displacement, privacy breaches, and the potential for malicious use.

To secure our future, we must address these existential threats proactively and collaboratively. This requires a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote disarmament, invest in healthcare and public health infrastructure, and develop robust AI technologies that are aligned with ethical principles. It also requires a shift in our mindset, from short-term thinking and individualism to a more holistic and sustainable approach to development.

Furthermore, we must recognize the interconnectedness of these threats and work towards a global response that addresses the needs of all countries and communities. This requires international cooperation, diplomacy, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.

In conclusion, the human species faces a critical period in its history, and the existential threats we face require urgent action. By addressing these threats collaboratively and proactively, we can secure a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 330g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526600233