ISBN Global Catastrophic Risks English

A global catastrophic risk is one with the potential to wreak death and destruction on a global scale. In human history wars and plagues have done so on more than one occasion and misguided ideologies and totalitarian regimes have darkened an entire era or a region. Advances in technology are adding dangers of a new kind. It could happen again. In Global Catastrophic Risks 25 leading experts look at the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century including asteroid impacts gamma-ray bursts Earth-based natural catastrophes nuclear war terrorism global warming biological weapons totalitarianism advanced nanotechnology general artificial intelligence and social collapse. The book also addresses over-arching issues - policy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes. This is invaluable reading for anyone interested in the big issues of our time; for students focusing on science society technology and public policy; and for academics policy-makers and professionals working in these acutely important fields.