Description
Explore the profound insights of 'What's the Worst That Could Happen?' by Andrew Leigh, a compelling examination of the catastrophic risks facing humanity today. This enlightening book delves into why these perils—such as nuclear war, bioterrorism, and the threats posed by artificial intelligence—are far more common than you might think. With an estimated 1 in 6 chance of dying from a catastrophic event, Leigh's research highlights the stark reality that such scenarios are significantly more likely than fatal car accidents or even murder.
In this eye-opening read, discover how current populist political dynamics exacerbate these threats, fostering a culture of short-term thinking that blinds us to the grave dangers ahead. Leigh argues that we must shift our mindset to long-term sustainability, addressing big risks rather than getting lost in the minutiae of politics. He outlines major existential threats—from pandemics potentially more lethal than COVID-19 to the urgent crisis of climate change—offering solutions to mitigate these potential disasters.
Don't ignore the risks that loom ahead; equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to combat these threats. Ideal for anyone interested in politics, sociology, or future planning, 'What's the Worst That Could Happen?' is a must-read for those who care about the future of our world. This brand new paperback, published by Random House in 2021, is available for fast delivery. Get your copy today and prepare to reshape your understanding of risk.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780262046077
Format: Paper over boards
Year: 2021
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Description:
Why catastrophic risks are more dangerous than you think, and how populism is making them worse.
Did you know that you're more likely to die from a catastrophe than in a car crash? The odds that a typical US resident will die from a catastrophic event-for example, nuclear war, bioterrorism, or out-of-control artificial intelligence-have been estimated at 1 in 6. That's fifteen times more likely than a fatal car crash and thirty-one times more likely than being murdered. In What's the Worst That Could Happen?, Andrew Leigh looks at catastrophic risks and how to mitigate them, arguing provocatively that the rise of populist politics makes catastrophe more likely.
Leigh explains that pervasive short-term thinking leaves us unprepared for long-term risks. Politicians sweat the small stuff-granular policy details of legislation and regulation-but rarely devote much attention to reducing long-term risks. Populist movements thrive on short-termism because they focus on their followers' immediate grievances. Leigh argues that we should be long-termers- broaden our thinking and give big threats the attention and resources they need.
Leigh outlines the biggest existential risks facing humanity and suggests remedies for them. He discusses pandemics, considering the possibility that the next virus will be more deadly than COVID-19; warns that unchecked climate change could render large swaths of the earth uninhabitable; describes the metamorphosis of the arms race from a fight into a chaotic brawl; and examines the dangers of runaway superintelligence. Moreover, Leigh points out, populism (and its crony
In this eye-opening read, discover how current populist political dynamics exacerbate these threats, fostering a culture of short-term thinking that blinds us to the grave dangers ahead. Leigh argues that we must shift our mindset to long-term sustainability, addressing big risks rather than getting lost in the minutiae of politics. He outlines major existential threats—from pandemics potentially more lethal than COVID-19 to the urgent crisis of climate change—offering solutions to mitigate these potential disasters.
Don't ignore the risks that loom ahead; equip yourself with knowledge and strategies to combat these threats. Ideal for anyone interested in politics, sociology, or future planning, 'What's the Worst That Could Happen?' is a must-read for those who care about the future of our world. This brand new paperback, published by Random House in 2021, is available for fast delivery. Get your copy today and prepare to reshape your understanding of risk.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780262046077
Format: Paper over boards
Year: 2021
Publisher: RANDOM HOUSE US
Description:
Why catastrophic risks are more dangerous than you think, and how populism is making them worse.
Did you know that you're more likely to die from a catastrophe than in a car crash? The odds that a typical US resident will die from a catastrophic event-for example, nuclear war, bioterrorism, or out-of-control artificial intelligence-have been estimated at 1 in 6. That's fifteen times more likely than a fatal car crash and thirty-one times more likely than being murdered. In What's the Worst That Could Happen?, Andrew Leigh looks at catastrophic risks and how to mitigate them, arguing provocatively that the rise of populist politics makes catastrophe more likely.
Leigh explains that pervasive short-term thinking leaves us unprepared for long-term risks. Politicians sweat the small stuff-granular policy details of legislation and regulation-but rarely devote much attention to reducing long-term risks. Populist movements thrive on short-termism because they focus on their followers' immediate grievances. Leigh argues that we should be long-termers- broaden our thinking and give big threats the attention and resources they need.
Leigh outlines the biggest existential risks facing humanity and suggests remedies for them. He discusses pandemics, considering the possibility that the next virus will be more deadly than COVID-19; warns that unchecked climate change could render large swaths of the earth uninhabitable; describes the metamorphosis of the arms race from a fight into a chaotic brawl; and examines the dangers of runaway superintelligence. Moreover, Leigh points out, populism (and its crony