Could humanity survive a mass extinction event?

What would happen if Earth faced a catastrophe capable of wiping out most life on the planet? From a massive asteroid impact and supervolcanic eruptions to nuclear conflict, extreme climate disruption, and other global disasters, humanity faces risks that could threaten the future of civilization. In this episode, we explore whether humans could survive a mass extinction event and what science tells us about our chances. How did our planet recover from previous mass extinctions? What makes humans different from other species? And could our intelligence, technology, adaptability, and ability to cooperate help us survive a world transformed by catastrophe? We examine the potential consequences of global food shortages, disrupted ecosystems, damaged infrastructure, and the collapse of essential supply chains. We also investigate how scientists study existential risks, why biodiversity matters for human survival, and whether modern civilization is more resilient—or more vulnerable—than we might think. If a catastrophe changed Earth beyond recognition, would humanity find a way to survive, or could our civilization disappear forever? Join us for a fascinating journey into mass extinction, planetary disasters, human resilience, and the science of survival. Topics covered: What defines a mass extinction event? The five major mass extinctions in Earth’s history Asteroid impacts and supervolcanic eruptions Nuclear conflict and other global catastrophic risks How climate disruption and ecosystem collapse could affect humanity The vulnerability of modern food systems and infrastructure Could humans survive if civilization collapsed? What humanity can do to reduce global catastrophic risks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.