In an era where human innovation has reached unprecedented heights, a dark omen emerges. Indeed 14. Various evolutionary traps can mark the decline of our species, and of many around us. A new study illuminates these dead ends, inviting us to urgently reflect on our future.
The challenges of the Anthropocene
We live in an era defined as the “Anthropocene”, where the human impact on the planet has reached geological proportions. We can consider it a sign of our affirmation as a species, if we want. The point is that this "success" (let's call it that) has a downside. Our progress, driven by an unprecedented innovative drive, has taken us, the animals that live with us and the entire planet into uncharted and dangerous territory. A territory full of traps.
The 14 evolutionary traps
A group of researchers from Stockholm Resilience Center identified 14 potential evolutionary pitfalls that pose serious risks to humanity's future (I'll link the complete study here). These traps range from climate tipping points to runaway artificial intelligence, chemical pollution, and rapidly evolving infectious diseases.
I will illustrate them to you accompanied by as many key studies. Ready for a “loop of death”? Let's start.
1. Climate change and tipping points.
One of the greatest dangers is represented by climate tipping points. Rising global temperatures can trigger irreversible chain reactions, with serious consequences for the Earth's ecosystem.
Unraveling Global Patterns of Irreversible Climate Change: A relevant study on the topic was published in Nature Climate Change in 2022. It analyzes irreversible changes in surface temperature and precipitation in response to CO2 emissions. The authors identified global patterns of irreversible climate change, underlining the importance of immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.
2. Artificial intelligence out of control.
If not properly guided, AI could develop goals and methodologies that conflict with human well-being. This would lead to potentially catastrophic scenarios (I call for calm and balance on this issue and clarity, but perhaps I am one of the few).
A Review of the Evidence for Existential Risk from AI via Misaligned Power-Seeking: this study examines the possibility that advanced AI systems may develop goals that are not aligned with human values and actively seek power. The paper highlights that we cannot confidently rule out existential risk from runaway AI. And this is a cause for serious concern.
3. Chemical pollution
The accumulation of toxic substances in the environment represents a growing threat to human health and the ecosystem. From the most pervasive (microplastics which now literally pass through us) to the most subtle (the fine particles which they cause one Holocaust a year), we are immersed in these traps.
A science-based agenda for health-protective chemical assessments and decisions: this study addresses the growing chemical pollution crisis, highlighting how the production and use of industrial chemicals has led to widespread exposures and health impacts. There is a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color. The article offers science-based recommendations to reduce harmful exposures, focusing on improving policies and risk assessments.
4. “Accelerated” infectious diseases.
Recent pandemics, such as COVID-19, demonstrate that in the Anthropocene (also in the future) infectious diseases can spread more rapidly than ever globally, reaching devastating consequences.
Study on the Dynamics of Infectious Diseases and Global Changes: An analysis conducted by Nature Reviews Microbiology examines how recent global changes, including technological, demographic and climate, have increased the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. This study explores the impacts of phenomena such as the doubling of airline flights since 2000, the increase in urban versus rural populations since 2007, and climate change. And it highlights how, despite significant advances in healthcare and access to healthcare, the threat of infectious diseases remains substantial. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries
5. Simplification of agriculture.
Dependence on a few crops, albeit highly productive, makes the global food system vulnerable to environmental change and disease.
Threats to global food security from emerging fungal and oomycete pathogens: this study highlights how emerging fungal and oomycete pathogens infect major caloric crops and important commercial crops. It is a significant risk to global food security. Intensive monoculture practices and globalized markets favor the emergence and spread of new pathogens and problematic traits, such as fungicide resistance. Climate change further promotes the emergence of pathogens on new crops and in new locations.
6. Unsustainable economic growth
An economy focused on growth at all costs can lead to unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and social inequality.
Restructuring Economic Systems: according to this study, unsustainable economic growth is a global problem that requires a restructuring of our economic systems. This approach aims to assist countries in finding more sustainable ways to grow, while recognizing the role of economic growth in driving human development, such as job creation and improved health and education.
7. Instability of global cooperation.
The lack of real and effective collaboration at the global level can hinder the resolution of critical environmental and social problems.
Collaborative environmental governance: Achieving collective action in social-ecological systems: this research examines the importance of collaborative environmental governance for achieving collective action in social-ecological systems. It highlights the need for effective collaboration between various public and private actors and stakeholders to address environmental problems. The study highlights the complexity of collaborative environmental governance and the need for in-depth studies to better understand its dynamics and improve the effectiveness of collective actions.
8. Social and economic misalignment.
Ultra-liberal policies and economic practices centered only on profit can be at odds with social and environmental well-being, leading to tensions and conflicts.
Neo-Liberal Globalization and Environmental Conflicts: this study, now almost twenty years old, shows how deaf we are to alarm bells. Neo-liberal globalization leads to increasing environmental conflicts, underlining the need to treat economic, ecological and cultural distribution as equally important for a peaceful, just and balanced modern world.
9. Digitalization and loss of social capital.
The increasing digitalization of society can lead to a loss of human connections and social capital. Two essential elements for the functioning and maintenance of communities. In an era of empty cots e Ministers of Solitude, this makes you think a lot.
The increasing role of the digital body in the human capital: changes in the nature of communications. This 2020 study highlights that digitalisation improves communication and access to information, but can also reduce face-to-face communication and dehumanise education
10. Loss of biodiversity
La reduction of biodiversity it's a tremendous problem. Tremendous. It threatens ecosystems, the stability of the environment we depend on, everything.
Embedded in nature, human health and biodiversity: according to this research, biodiversity loss reduces the variety of life on Earth and threatens human connection with nature, negatively affecting human health and environmental stability
11. Weakness of democratic institutions.
The erosion of democratic institutions it can compromise societies' ability to effectively address global challenges.
Erosion of Democracy and Political Systems: The erosion of democratic institutions can lead to unresponsive political systems, a propaganda-producing media, and a distorted economy. And this study explains it well.
12. Growing social inequalities
The increase in inequalities can fuel social and political instability, and above all prevent an effective response to global crises.
Inequality and Instability in the Time of COVID-19: this research confirms how the COVID-19 crisis has only increased inequality between the most advantaged and the most disadvantaged, potentially fueling social and political instability.
13. Depletion of natural resources.
Overexploitation of natural resources, such as water and fertile soil, threatens the long-term sustainability of our societies. A slow drip that no one wants to face yet.
Food systems and natural resources: Overexploitation of resources such as soil, water and minerals threatens the long-term sustainability of societies and requires a fundamental transformation of food systems. It's the conclusion of this study.
14. Waste and environmental pollution
The accumulation of waste and environmental pollution represent a serious threat to human and ecosystem health.
Ecocide – global consequences (pesticides, radionuclides, petroleum products): Environmental pollution, such as pesticides, nuclear waste and petroleum products, poses a serious threat to human health and ecosystems, causing various diseases and disturbing ecosystem functions. Here is the corresponding study.
The need for change
To avoid these pitfalls, humanity must actively change its society. Our history until now has been an unconscious product of other evolutionary processes. I'm not saying random, but certainly not organised. The time has come to become aware of our reality and collectively move towards the desired direction. We must recognize the interconnections between these traps and work together to defuse them.
The complex challenges of the Anthropocene can only be addressed with an informed, thoughtful and proactive approach. Our ability to adapt and innovate has brought us this far; now, it's time to use it wisely to ensure a sustainable future for our species and for life on Earth as we know it.
