There is significant concern regarding how long humanity can survive on Earth. Humans have contemplated the apocalyptic scenarios facing the world.
From nuclear weapons to climate change…
First, the brilliant scientist Albert Einstein predicted that the development of nuclear weapons could lead to humanity’s doom. In fact, he speculated that an apocalypse could occur by 2060 due to the outbreak of disease and nuclear war.
Nuclear bombs and other weapons of mass destruction pose a tangible threat to humanity. (Illustrative photo: GI).
Einstein regretted his role in the development of the atomic bomb. He warned about the dangers of nuclear war and called for global cooperation to prevent such a catastrophe. A peaceful world, according to him, depends on controlling technology and promoting mutual understanding among nations.
Meanwhile, astrophysicist Stephen Hawking is also regarded as one of the most prominent figures to have pessimistically predicted the future of Earth, particularly for humanity. He even envisioned a future where, upon looking at the planet, he only saw a large ball of fire.
This fear stems from issues such as global warming and the catastrophic consequences of climate change and a strong greenhouse effect. He warned that environmental problems could turn Earth into a desert in the future if not addressed.
Rapid global warming is leading to extreme weather events that might not destroy the Earth but could lead to the extinction of life globally. Photo: GI
Additionally, NASA has emphasized the dangers of depleting the Earth’s resources, stating that the world, at the current rate, could tear apart this planet in a very short time.
…to artificial intelligence and the potential for Earth to collide with asteroids
For a long time, scientists and futurists have predicted that the threat of human extinction could come from another creation of humanity: robots. Looking back just over the past two years, the progress made in artificial intelligence (AI) in general and robots in particular has been remarkable, even surpassing human capabilities and control in certain respects, making it clear that predicting the future is increasingly uncertain.
Optimus – Tesla’s humanoid robot, has been put to work in factories! (Photo: Tesla).
The first intelligent robots have begun to appear in human life, even intervening in our work. Tech companies have developed AI models that can think, reason, learn autonomously, and are gradually moving toward the ability to replicate themselves.
Just earlier this October, Tesla, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, unveiled a remarkably intelligent robot that once existed only in human imagination or science fiction films. This robot, named Optimus, operates flexibly and expressively, much like a real human. It performs various tasks, such as distributing gift bags and drinks to guests, or playing with attendees.
Some robots from China at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai perform dance moves like real people. (Photo: WAIC)
Currently, this robot remains quite friendly and under human control. However, if the world continues to be filled with such robots (which may become smarter every day) on the streets, in offices, in industrial zones, and even in military units – a scenario that is not far off if we look at current trends – once again, it becomes difficult to predict what will happen next.
In addition to the existing threats mentioned above, NASA is also investigating space-related dangers. The NASA Planetary Defense Coordination Office continues to issue warnings about asteroid collisions, considering them among the various threats that could lead to destruction on Earth.
The potential impact of a massive asteroid colliding with Earth is always cited as another risk that could lead to an apocalypse. (Photo: GI).
From the warnings of Einstein, Hawking, and NASA, to the emergence of intelligent robots stepping out of films and imagination, there is no time to waste for humanity.
The future of Earth, and especially the fate of humanity, depends on our ability to compromise and restore the damage we have inflicted on our planet. There have been blunt warnings from the scientific community that either humanity will take action, or the world will no longer be as we know it in the not-so-distant future.
