Stephen Hawking Concerned Over Increasing Chances Of Disasters On Earth

According to Stephen Hawking, humanity seems to act selfish, learn little and repeat our mistakes. These negative treats put us in danger of self-extinction.

The astrophysicist has been warning us about the dangers faced be mankind for some time already. Among them are included the artificial intelligence that might take over or invading aliens, according to CNET. 

As part of the annual BBC Reith Lectures, Hawking is giving a series of talks. As reported by BBC on Tuesday, in a lecture in London earlier this month Hawking warned again about the increasing chances of disasters on Earth. He explained that even if the chance of a disaster on the planet is relatively low, it becomes a near certainty in the next thousand years as it adds up over time.

It seems that it is just a matter of time and not a question of if. Among the dangers faced by the humanity are included, according to the astrophysicist, genetically engineered viruses, nuclear war and global warming. And, especially with the prospect of humans achieving eternal life getting closer, the next thousand years doesn't seem so far away.

However, Hawking added on an optimist note that he believes that only the next 100 years should worry us the most. If we manage somehow to survive on short term, then in a thousand years' time a disaster on Earth would not mean the end of the humankind, since we should have spread out into space.

We must elect responsible leaders, since we are entering a period of maximum caution. The future leaders must have a global vision and avoid international confrontation. We must also encourage the space exploration programs.

Despite his still optimistic vision, Hawking complained that there isn't enough scientific shared knowledge in our world today. He explained that everyone needs to understand science in a democratic society in order "to make informed decisions about the future."