Would human extinction be such a bad thing? The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic timepiece counting down to the end of the world, now sits at only 90 seconds to midnight.
Doomsday clock ticks closer to midnight
Would human extinction be such a bad thing? The Doomsday Clock, a symbolic timepiece counting down to the end of the world, now sits at only 90 seconds to midnight.
<h2 class=" eplus-wrapper"><strong>Not the end of the world</strong></h2>
"It's the end of the world as we know it. And I feel fine!"
So sang the American rock band R.E.M. in 1987. At that time, half of the world was still involved in the Cold WarA period of diplomatic conflict between blocs led by the USA and the USSR that lasted from 1947 until 1991, when the USSR collapsed. and the threat of nuclear destruction was ever present.
Today, some say this is becoming a familiar feeling once again. This January, the Doomsday ClockA symbolic timepiece showing how close the world is to ending. If the clock reached midnight, it would mean annihilation. Every year, scientists adjust the time. was moved forward to 90 seconds to midnight. It marks the closest point in human history we have ever been to the end of the world as we know it.
The Doomsday Clock was created in the wake of World War Two to serve as a warning of the dangers we face from war. This year, the inching forward of the clock is in response to threats such as war, disease and climate crisis.
For most people, the thought of humanity going the same way as the dinosaurs is one that fills them with dread. But one philosopher, Emile P Torres, is asking: if the Earth continued to exist without us, would it really be such a bad thing?
Some "pro-extinctionists'' argue that, philosophically at least, human extinction would also mean the extinction of future suffering. But critics point out that it would also destroy all possible future happiness too.
Other pro-extinctionists see humans as a threat to nature. It is easy to see why. In the 300,000 years that humans have existed on Earth, we have caused the extinction of many species, and the pollution of land, air and water.
But although the human race has been at times responsible for great evil; it is also responsible for great beauty. With the loss of humanity we would also lose art, music, paintings and poetry. The totality of human knowledge, acquired over generations would also cease to exist. And that, argues Torres, would be deeply sad.
Yes: Human life has value. We have a responsibility to protect and preserve our own species for the sake of ourselves and future generations. It would be a tragedy for human hope, happiness and beauty to end.
No: Humans have caused immense suffering and destruction to the planet and other species. Our extinction could be a positive development for the planet.
Or... We need to find a way to exist in harmony with the planet and with each other. SustainabilityThe goal of sustainability is to fulfil the needs of people now without taking away future resources. and equality would mean that the arguments about harm and suffering could be somewhat reduced.
Cold War - A period of diplomatic conflict between blocs led by the USA and the USSR that lasted from 1947 until 1991, when the USSR collapsed.
Doomsday Clock - A symbolic timepiece showing how close the world is to ending. If the clock reached midnight, it would mean annihilation. Every year, scientists adjust the time.
Sustainability - The goal of sustainability is to fulfil the needs of people now without taking away future resources.
<h5 class=" eplus-wrapper"><strong>Would human extinction be such a bad thing? </strong></h5>
Doomsday clock ticks closer to midnight

Glossary
Cold War - A period of diplomatic conflict between blocs led by the USA and the USSR that lasted from 1947 until 1991, when the USSR collapsed.
Doomsday Clock - A symbolic timepiece showing how close the world is to ending. If the clock reached midnight, it would mean annihilation. Every year, scientists adjust the time.
Sustainability - The goal of sustainability is to fulfil the needs of people now without taking away future resources.