Live Debate: Will mankind destroy itself or transcend to a more advanced sustainable society? How and why?
Best comment wins "Physics of the Future" by Dr. Michio Kaku!
Dr. Michio Kaku argues that humanity is in a crucial transitioning period where within the next 100 years we will either commit planetary suicide or become a “Type 1” society with the ability to harness planetary power to the advantage of all living species.
Recent technological and social advancements show we are on the brink of extraordinary breakthroughs in reaching this type of society including innovations in renewable energy sources, new methods of integration and collaboration, and higher levels of tolerance in society through increasing knowledge of cultural similarities and differences. However, the hurdles that remain in reaching this stage are large and numerous and could threaten our sustainability with every step forward. These include:
- Rapidly depleting energy resources against growing demand from an increasing population
- Environmental footprint from human actions (global warming, expedited species extinction, rapid ecological shifts)
- Enhanced forms of warfare (biological, nuclear, terrorism, and cyber)
- Systemic risk from increasing complexities in society (financial systems, technological dependence, potential of artificial intelligence)
Exhibit 1: Will Mankind Destroy Itself?
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Dr. Kaku believes the reason we have yet to encountered more advanced civilizations is because they may have destroyed themselves before they could become a Type I society. Will humans persevere? Can we reach type I status before self-destructing? How and why? Or is this all hogwash? Can we continue on the brink of a Type I society for a long period of time until an external force destroys us?
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Please provide your thoughts below for a chance to win Michio Kaku’s “Physics of the Future: How Science Will Shape Human Destiny and Our Daily Lives by the Year 2100”. The rules of engagement are simple: The participant with the most positive votes on his single comment wins.
Your minds is a tank… Let’s go to war…
Exhibit 2: Joseph Tainter - The Collapse of complex Civilisations
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Exhibit 3: Sir Martin Rees - Earth in its final century?
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