Listeners to the Astroroach Podcast have heard me discuss the dangers of genetics, nanotechnology and robotics. I've spoken of Existential Risks, both natural and manmade, and the fact that there is no opportunity to learn from our mistakes with such risks, for we will all be dead. You've heard me quote Stephen Hawking on the importance of humanity spreading into space for the survival of the species, and you've heard me say that I don't think we'll survive long enough for this to happen, and that it's too late - that ship has sailed.
All of this and more has led me to a rather bleak and fatalistic view of our future. Taken as a whole, what are the chances that we can sucessfully navigate all the challenges ahead of us? I'd say they were rather slim.
Fortunately not everyone is as pessimistic as I am.
The Lifeboat Foundation is dedicated to finding a way through the minefield; to develop defenses against dangerous technologies; and should that fail, to guarantee survival of the species through self-sufficient space colonies. Their scientific advisory boards include some of the greatest thinkers on the planet, which gives me at least some hope. They are supporting initiatives to develop defenses against things like biological weapons and asteroids, and pushing for the relinquishment of certain dangerous knowledge.
To be honest I don't think we're going to make it. Our only chance is to spread into space, but doing that before disaster strikes...it's not very likely. Still, we have to try, and The Lifeboat Foundation is probably our best shot, so please give them a look.
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