A Guide to the End of the World

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Thousands die annually from natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes. However, compared to Earth's prehistoric turmoil—marked by volcanic winters and asteroid impacts—our civilization has thrived in relative geological calm. Will this tranquility persist? This guide examines the alarming prospects for the 21st century and beyond. Bill McGuire, a leading expert on geological hazards, presents a grim outlook. Just 10,000 years after the last Ice Age, Earth faces some of its highest temperatures ever. Overpopulation, resource exploitation, and rising temperatures and sea levels due to greenhouse gases heighten the risk of disasters, including El Niños, glacial melting, and mega-tsunamis. Even more concerning is the looming threat of another asteroid or comet collision akin to the one that eradicated the dinosaurs. McGuire explores the timing of these catastrophic events, their potential impact on global society, and strategies for survival—from emissions reductions and geo-engineering to space colonization. Illustrated with photographs and diagrams and supported by thorough research, this guide illuminates our planet's vulnerability and our ability to endure the significant changes that nature may unleash in the near or distant future.