
Global Catastrophic Risks
Oxford University Press
Published on 29. September 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
576 pages
978-0-19-960650-4 (ISBN)
Description
A global catastrophic risk is one with the potential to wreak death and destruction on a global scale. In human history, wars and plagues have done so on more than one occasion, and misguided ideologies and totalitarian regimes have darkened an entire era or a region. Advances in technology are adding dangers of a new kind. It could happen again.
In Global Catastrophic Risks 25 leading experts look at the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century, including asteroid impacts, gamma-ray bursts, Earth-based natural catastrophes, nuclear war, terrorism, global warming, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, general artificial intelligence, and social collapse. The book also addresses over-arching issues - policy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes.
This is invaluable reading for anyone interested in the big issues of our time; for students focusing on science, society, technology, and public policy; and for academics, policy-makers, and professionals working in these acutely important fields.
In Global Catastrophic Risks 25 leading experts look at the gravest risks facing humanity in the 21st century, including asteroid impacts, gamma-ray bursts, Earth-based natural catastrophes, nuclear war, terrorism, global warming, biological weapons, totalitarianism, advanced nanotechnology, general artificial intelligence, and social collapse. The book also addresses over-arching issues - policy responses and methods for predicting and managing catastrophes.
This is invaluable reading for anyone interested in the big issues of our time; for students focusing on science, society, technology, and public policy; and for academics, policy-makers, and professionals working in these acutely important fields.
Reviews / Votes
Review from previous edition This volume is remarkably entertaining and readable...It's risk assessment meets science fiction. * Natural Hazards Observer * The book works well, providing a mine of peer-reviewed information on the great risks that threaten our own and future generations. * Nature * We should welcome this fascinating and provocative book. * Martin J Rees (from foreword) * [Provides] a mine of peer-reviewed information on the great risks that threaten our own and future generations. * Nature *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
A must-read book for anyone interested in the big issues of our time; for students focusing on science, society, technology, and public policy; and for academics and professionals working in these highly topical areas. Readers of popular science.
Illustrations
Tables and figures
Tables and figures
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 38 mm
Weight
858 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-960650-4 (9780199606504)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Nick Bostrom | Milan M. Cirkovic
Global Catastrophic Risks
E-Book
07/2008
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€20.99
Available for download

Book
07/2008
Oxford University Press
€45.79
Article exhausted; check for reprint

Nick Bostrom | Milan M. Cirkovic
Global Catastrophic Risks
E-Book
07/2008
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€20.99
Available for download
Previous edition

Book
07/2008
Oxford University Press
€45.79
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Nick Bostrom, PhD, is Director of the Future of Humanity Institute, in the James Martin 21st Century School, at Oxford University. He previously taught at Yale University in the Department of Philosophy and in the Yale Institute for Social and Policy Studies. Bostrom has served as an expert consultant for the European Commission in Brussels and for the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington DC. He has advised the British Parliament, the European Parliament, and many other public bodies on issues relating to emerging technologies.
Milan M. Cirkovic, PhD, is a senior research associate of the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, (Serbia) and a professor of Cosmology at Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad (Serbia). He received both his PhD in Physics and his MSc in Earth and Space Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook (USA) and his BSc in Theoretical Physics was received from the University of Belgrade.
Milan M. Cirkovic, PhD, is a senior research associate of the Astronomical Observatory of Belgrade, (Serbia) and a professor of Cosmology at Department of Physics, University of Novi Sad (Serbia). He received both his PhD in Physics and his MSc in Earth and Space Sciences from the State University of New York at Stony Brook (USA) and his BSc in Theoretical Physics was received from the University of Belgrade.
Editor
Department of Philosophy, Oxford University
Astronomical Observatory, Belgrade
Content
I BACKGROUND; II RISKS FROM NATURE; III RISKS FROM UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES; IV RISKS FROM HOSTILE ACTS