Some of England’s smartest people have joined forces and formed a group called “The Cambridge Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER). This group includes Stephan Hawking and 26 other leading thinkers.
The Daily Mail article, Killer robots and crippling cyber attacks: How the world is going to end – according to super brains such as Stephen Hawking states that the groups manifesto is clear:
“Many scientists are concerned that developments in human technology may soon pose new, extinction-level risks to our species as a whole.”
One pearl of wisdom given is this:
“In a modern, efficient world, we no longer stockpile food. If the supply is disrupted for any reason, it would take about 48-hours before it runs out and riots begin. So on a practical level, individuals should keep some non-perishable items at home.”
So what are some of the threats they have identified?
“Cyber attacks: Power grids, air traffic control, banking and communications rely on interconnected computer systems. If these networks collapse due to action by enemy nations or terrorists, the paralysis could result in society breaking down.”
“Food supply sabotage: Efficient distribution networks mean many Western nations have only 48 hours worth of food stockpiled. Any disruption would result in panic buying and riots.”
“Fast-spreading pandemic: International travel means a new killer virus, mutated from animals, could travel the globe in days, wiping out millions before a vaccine can be developed.”
Those are just three. Read the article for others. My favorite is the intelligent technology (LOL).
In all seriousness, I think it is great that they are taking a look at this. Many of the dangers they have listed are things the preparedness community has been talking about for years. If they were really “super brains” they would invite a few preppers! I suppose they would feel that their group would not be taken seriously, which is too bad, because I see a few glaring dangers that aren’t listed.
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