With the invention of the atomic bomb, humanity gained the power to destroy itself for the first time in our history. Since then, our risk of either extinction or the collapse of civilization has steadily increased. Just how likely are we to destroy ourselves? And what poses the greatest threat to our survival? Dig into four existential threats and explore how we can safeguard our future. [Directed by Reza Riahi, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by André Aires].

 TED-Ed: The 4 greatest threats to the survival of humanity

The 4 greatest threats to the survival of humanity

As biotechnology advances, the potential for engineered pandemics grows, posing a dire threat to humanity far beyond natural pathogens.

The advent of superintelligent AI could herald unprecedented risks, where misalignment with human values may precipitate existential peril.

With AI's rise, humanity risks ceding control to systems that may not align with our values, posing existential threats.