Lancet Commission identifies 17 threats including nuclear war and AI risking human extinction
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· IT, AI, semiconductors & computing· Mains·
Existential risks and global health metrics: a relevant GS3 Science & Technology and Ethics case study.
Why in news
The Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health identified 17 major threats, including nuclear war and AI misuse, that could risk human extinction by 2100.
Background
The report was authored by 35 experts and highlights 17 threats to human existence. Prof.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) is the body associated with Prof. Christopher Murray
- FactThe Lancet Commission identified 17 major threats to human extinction by 2100
- FactLimiting global warming to 1.8°C is cited as a measure to prevent the loss of 1.89 billion healthy life years
Prelims practice question
What is the specific global warming limit cited to prevent the loss of 1.89 billion healthy life years?
- (a)1.5°C
- (b)2.5°C
- (c)2.0°C
- (d)1.8°C
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1.8°C — The report cites limiting global warming to 1.8°C as a measure to prevent the loss of 1.89 billion healthy life years.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the existential risks posed by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence and climate change on global public health and human survival.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Technological governance: Lack of international regulatory frameworks for autonomous AI systems
- Climate-health nexus: Correlation between global warming thresholds and cumulative loss of healthy life years
- Existential risk management: Need for multilateral cooperation on nuclear non-proliferation and AI safety
Keywords: existential risk · global health · technological governance · climate mitigation · public health metrics
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.