10 Ways the World Could End

Complete these potential apocalyptic scenarios. According to a 2002-talk by Stephen Petranek: https://youtu.be/v9d65u3LfKs
Note that the source is from 2002, it might not be fully reflecting today's scientific consensus.
Quiz by kaderschaufel
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Last updated: December 9, 2019
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First submittedDecember 7, 2019
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Answer
We Lose the Will to Survive
Aliens Invade Earth
The Ecosystem Collapses
Particle Accelerator Mishap
Biotech Disaster
Reversal of the Earth's Magnetic Field
Giant Solar Flares
A New Global Epidemic
We Meet a Rogue Black Hole
A Really Big Asteroid Heads For Earth
+1
Level 85
Dec 7, 2019
Wikipedia: "Statistical analysis shows no evidence for a correlation between [geomagnetic] reversals and extinctions."
+1
Level ∞
Dec 9, 2019

First of all, I like the quiz. Great idea! But the source seems not so good. Reversal of the magnetic field is a non-factor. Giant solar flares also seem very unlikely to end the world (although they might take down some of our electronics for awhile).

I also don't think a global epidemic is a serious concern unless it is human-generated in which case it would be included with biotech disaster.

So what's left out? One thing that seems like an obvious omission is Gamma ray bursts.

But the biggest problem is that he leaves out the thing that is most likely to exterminate the human race (and probably will some day). What is it? Artificial intelligence.

+1
Level 71
Dec 9, 2019
Thank you for your comment. I guess the issue is that the source is from 2002, and scientific consensus has changed since then (although, imo, global epidemic still belongs on the list, some bacteria are becoming immune to antibiotics). I actually don't want to change the source, because imo the talk is quite brilliant considering it's from 2002, but I guess I'm adding a caveat. Of course, anyone is welcome to make a similar quiz with a more recent source.
+2
Level 56
Sep 2, 2020
A new Global Epidemic? Hmmmm, maybe this one can be true....