20 Things That Could Destroy Humanity Forever?
By TOI Desk Report
March 4, 2025
Update on : March 4, 2025
The future is a fascinating yet terrifying place. From nuclear wars to alien invasions, the possibilities of what could happen in 2025 are both thrilling and chilling. While some scenarios could lead to humanity’s downfall, others offer hope for a brighter future. Let’s dive into 20 things that could destroy humanity forever or change the world as we know it.
1. Nuclear War
The threat of nuclear war has loomed over humanity for decades. With conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war escalating, the possibility of a nuclear exchange is real. If long-range missiles strike deep into Russia, it could trigger a domino effect, leading to global devastation.
- Destruction: Millions could die instantly, with long-term effects like radiation sickness and nuclear winter.
- Probability: 11%
- Silver Lining: Mutually assured destruction has historically kept nations in check.
2. World War III
Global tensions are rising, with conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. If these wars escalate, we could see a full-blown World War III.
- Impact: Young males might be drafted, cities could become bombing targets, and drones could change the face of warfare.
- Probability: 38%
- Advice: Stay away from potential conflict zones.
3. Bioengineered Virus
Scientists have recreated deadly viruses like the 1918 flu and engineered strains of H5N1 bird flu to study them. If these lab-grown viruses escape, they could cause a pandemic far deadlier than COVID-19.
- Risk: A virus with a 50% mortality rate could wipe out half the population.
- Probability: 30%
- Preparation: Keep an emergency kit with masks, water, and canned goods.
4. Alien Invasion
Are we alone in the universe? The Drake Equation suggests there’s a 47% chance we’re not. If aliens arrive in 2025, they could either be friendly or hostile.
- Threat: Hostile aliens with advanced tech could easily overpower us.
- Probability: 1%
- Fun Fact: Governments would likely keep it under wraps to avoid panic.
5. Super Volcano Eruption
Yellowstone National Park sits atop a supervolcano that has erupted three times in the past. If it erupts again, it could trigger a global nuclear winter.
- Impact: Crops would fail, temperatures would drop, and famine could spread.
- Probability: 0.14%
- Good News: The odds are incredibly low.
6. Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing threat, but innovative solutions are emerging. Companies like Brazil Potash are revolutionizing agriculture to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Solution: Domestic potash production cuts emissions by 1.4 million tons annually.
- Hope: Renewable energy and local production can make a difference.
7. Nuclear Energy Boom
Nuclear power is one of the cleanest energy sources available. In 2025, we could see a surge in nuclear energy to power AI and other technologies.
- Benefit: No carbon emissions and endless energy for innovation.
- Probability: 35%
- Future: AI could help us solve global problems with this energy.
8. Billionaire Geoengineering
Some billionaires are considering geoengineering to combat climate change. By injecting chemicals into the atmosphere, they could scatter sunlight and cool the planet.
- Risk: This could disrupt ecosystems and cause unforeseen disasters.
- Probability: 23%
- Caution: Tinkering with nature is risky business.
9. Carbon-Eating Bacteria
Scientists have engineered E. coli bacteria to consume carbon dioxide. If scaled up, this could help reduce greenhouse gases.
- Potential: Farms of carbon-eating bacteria could clean the air.
- Probability: 9%
- Challenge: More research is needed to make this viable.
10. Robot Revolution
By 2025, robots could take over household chores, from vacuuming to cooking. Companies like Dyson are already developing multi-purpose robots.
- Benefit: More free time for humans.
- Probability: 28%
- Dream: A robot that bakes cookies? Yes, please!
11. AI Cures Diseases
AI could revolutionize healthcare by predicting diseases like diabetes and cancer before they develop.
- Potential: Personalized treatments and early diagnoses.
- Probability: 15%
- Challenge: Privacy and cost concerns.
12. Zombie Deer Disease
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), also known as zombie deer disease, is spreading among deer and elk. While it hasn’t crossed over to humans yet, the possibility exists.
- Risk: A zombie apocalypse is unlikely but not impossible.
- Probability: 5%
- Advice: Avoid eating wild game if you’re worried.
13. Geomagnetic Storm
The sun’s solar cycle peaks in 2025, increasing the chance of solar storms. These could disrupt satellites, power grids, and communications.
- Impact: Blackouts and auroras in the night sky.
- Probability: 100% (but destruction probability is 0%).
- Preparation: Modern tech can help us prepare.
14. Eco-Terrorism
As climate disasters worsen, eco-terrorists might target infrastructure like oil fields to force change.
- Goal: Save the planet, not destroy humanity.
- Probability: 11%
- Risk: Significant damage to industries.
15. AI Takeover
AI could be weaponized or used to spread misinformation, posing a threat to humanity.
- Risk: Superweapons and mass manipulation.
- Probability: 50%
- Warning: Proceed with caution.
16. Planetary Collision
What if Mars crashed into Earth? It’s a terrifying thought, but the probability is 0%.
- Reality: This is pure science fiction.
- Relief: Cross this off your worry list.
17. Whole Genome Sequencing
By 2025, parents could use whole genome sequencing to detect and treat rare conditions in unborn babies.
- Benefit: Proactive healthcare for newborns.
- Probability: 95%
- Future: A healthier generation.
18. Mind-Reading AI
AI could soon read your thoughts, helping stroke victims communicate but also raising privacy concerns.
- Potential: A game-changer for healthcare.
- Probability: 75%
- Challenge: Expensive and invasive.
19. Asteroid Impact
While NASA tracks most asteroids, 10% remain unaccounted for. A massive impact could cause mass extinction.
- Risk: Nuclear winter and global devastation.
- Probability: Less than 5%
- Hope: NASA’s tracking systems are robust.
20. Rewilding the Planet
Rewilding efforts aim to restore landscapes destroyed by human activity. Countries like Ireland are leading the way.
- Benefit: A healthier planet for future generations.
- Probability: 80%
- Future: More green, less gray.
Final Thoughts
While the future holds many uncertainties, it also offers hope. From AI advancements to rewilding efforts, humanity has the tools to overcome challenges and thrive. So, while we should prepare for the worst, let’s also work toward the best.
What do you think will happen in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Let’s make 2025 a year of hope, innovation, and progress! 🌍✨