Extinction Timeline: The Consequences of Power, Greed, and Ignorance

A Sobering Reality

This isn’t a speculative piece. It isn’t a call for hope or a plea for optimism. It is a fact-based assessment of the trajectory humanity is on; one that could lead to extinction within 50 to 100 years. For many, this may sound alarmist, but as a parent of a 6-year-old, I cannot afford to dismiss these realities even if they were 50/50 likelihood! This isn’t just about humanity in general; it’s about the future of our children and the world they will inherit.

"We are sleepwalking towards the edge of a cliff. The convergence of climate change, unchecked technological development, and authoritarianism is unlike anything humanity has faced before." —Dr. Johan Rockström, Climate Scientist and Director, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

The signs are clear; uncontrolled AI development, the accelerating climate crisis, and the rise of oligarchic authoritarianism are converging to create a perfect storm. Each of these crises alone would be enough to destabilize societies, but together, they form an exponential risk curve that humanity is choosing to ignore.

This piece is a warning with evidence with the how and why, warnings like this are being ignored if not weaponised!

The Three Catalysts of Extinction

1. Uncontrolled AI

AI, once a promise of progress, is rapidly becoming a threat due to unchecked development and the absence of global governance.

• By 2030, AI is expected to disrupt global economies, creating mass unemployment and further widening the gap between a handful of wealthy oligarchs and the rest of society.
• Autonomous AI systems, particularly in military and infrastructure applications, risk catastrophic failures or intentional misuse.

"Without global regulation, AI could become the most dangerous technology in human history. It’s not just about job loss; it’s about who controls the systems that control our lives." —Dr. Stuart Russell, AI Researcher and Author of Human Compatible.

As a parent, I wonder; will my child’s world be controlled by AI systems that prioritize efficiency and profit over humanity? Will they face a job market so radically transformed by AI that their skills are rendered obsolete before they’re even fully developed?

2. Climate Change

The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat; it is here and worsening.

• Feedback loops, such as Arctic methane release and collapsing ecosystems, could push global temperatures past the critical 2°C threshold by 2030.
• Resource scarcity, mass migrations, and extreme weather events will increasingly destabilize societies, fueling conflict and displacement.

"Every fraction of a degree matters. Surpassing 2°C of warming could unleash cascading feedback loops that would make much of the planet uninhabitable." —Dr. James Hansen, Former NASA Scientist and Climate Advocate.

For my child, this could mean growing up in a world where food and water shortages are normal, and uninhabitable regions displace billions. Will they see coastal cities vanish under rising seas, or experience heatwaves that make summers deadly?

3. Oligarchic Authoritarianism

Oligarchic authoritarianism is on the rise, with populist leaders and concentrated wealth driving policies that accelerate humanity’s decline.

• These regimes prioritize short-term profits over long-term survival, delaying critical actions on climate and AI regulation.
• Global governance structures, like the Paris Accord, are systematically weakened by leaders who dismantle multilateral cooperation.

"When the world’s wealthiest individuals and corporations dictate policy, the democratic process becomes a façade, and the long-term survival of humanity takes a backseat to short-term profit." —Prof. Joseph Stiglitz, Economist and Nobel Laureate.

When leadership prioritizes wealth and power over survival, the message is clear; our children’s futures are expendable. As a parent, it terrifies me to think that the very systems meant to protect humanity are being eroded by greed and corruption.

January 2025 marks a critical inflection point. Donald Trump has been reelected, and his rhetoric and early actions already mirror the promises he made on the campaign trail. The situation is not hypothetical; it is unfolding now.

A second Trump presidency:

• Emboldens authoritarian regimes globally, providing a blueprint for dismantling democratic norms.
• Withdraws the U.S. from international climate agreements, derailing progress and legitimizing inaction.
• Accelerates fossil fuel extraction, undermining renewable energy efforts.

"The re-election of Donald Trump signals a dramatic retreat from global cooperation. It’s a green light for authoritarian leaders worldwide to abandon multilateral efforts and prioritize nationalistic agendas." —Dr. Fiona Hill, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution.

For parents like me, this represents the point of no return. My child will grow up watching nations retreat into nationalism and isolation, while the crises requiring collective action spiral further out of control. This is no longer a warning of what could happen; it is a grim reality we must face.

The Weaponization of AI and Social Media: Choosing Our Own Demise

One of the most disturbing trends in recent years (that convinces me we are broken beyond repair), is the way electorates around the world are increasingly and unconsciously voting against their own interests. This is not a coincidence; it is the direct result of sophisticated manipulation through AI and social media platforms. These tools, designed for connection and communication, have been weaponized to sow division, spread misinformation, and amplify authoritarian populist agendas.

AI-Powered Manipulation

• Targeted Disinformation Campaigns: AI-driven algorithms are used to create hyper-personalized propaganda, exploiting individuals' fears, biases, and vulnerabilities. Misinformation spreads faster than ever, shaping public opinion with lies that serve authoritarian interests.
• Deepfakes and Synthetic Media: The use of AI to produce realistic fake videos and images is blurring the line between reality and fiction, making it nearly impossible for voters to discern truth from manipulation.
• Behavioural Analysis: By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI systems can predict and influence voter behaviour, delivering messages designed to provoke emotional reactions and discourage critical thinking.

Social Medias Role in Division

• Echo Chambers and Filter Bubbles: Social media platforms, driven by profit-maximizing algorithms, push users into echo chambers where they are exposed only to content that reinforces their existing beliefs. This polarizes societies, making dialogue and compromise impossible.
• Amplifying Extremism: The platforms prioritize sensational and divisive content, giving extremist voices disproportionate reach and influence. Authoritarian populists have mastered this system, using outrage to dominate conversations and gain support.
• Undermining Trust: By flooding the digital space with conflicting narratives and conspiracy theories, these tools erode trust in traditional institutions, including the media, science, and democratic governance itself.

"The scariest part is that these platforms make us complicit in our own manipulation. The more we engage, the more the algorithms refine their ability to control us." —Dr. Shoshana Zuboff, Author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.

A Sinister Feedback Loop

• Reinforcing Power Structures: Authoritarian populists use these platforms to consolidate their power, dismantling democratic norms under the guise of popular support.
• Normalizing Authoritarianism: Through relentless propaganda, they normalize ideas that would have been unthinkable a decade ago, shifting the Overton Window toward extremism.
• Suppressing Opposition: Social media is also a tool for silencing dissent, whether through algorithmic de-platforming, harassment campaigns, or state-sponsored surveillance.

A Global Crisis of Governance

The result is a world where electorates, bombarded by targeted lies and manipulated by algorithms, willingly cede their freedoms to those who promise simple answers to complex problems. It is a crisis not just of governance, but of human agency.

"We are no longer just victims of authoritarianism; we are active participants in its rise, seduced by the very systems designed to manipulate us.” Yuval Noah Harari

The Core Argument: Existential Risk Without a Detonator

Unlike nuclear weapons, AI doesn’t have a single “detonator” moment. Its destructive potential unfolds gradually and silently, affecting societies in ways that are harder to detect and address. Harari suggests that this makes AI a far more insidious threat, as it can dismantle democracy, erode human agency, and reshape society from within before we even realize the full scale of the damage.

"If humanity fails to control AI, it won’t just destroy one city or one country; it could destroy the very idea of human civilization." Yuval Noah Harari

An Existential Threat Beyond Human Precedent

Harari’s argument underscores why AI is fundamentally more dangerous than nuclear weapons or other technologies: it represents a loss of human agency to an autonomous force. While nuclear weapons are devastating, they require human decisions to detonate. AI, by contrast, has the potential to act unilaterally, optimizing for goals that may be indifferent (or even hostile) to human survival.

"AI is the first technology in history to make decisions for us and about us, without us. That loss of control could be humanity’s undoing."

The United States: Stalling AI Legislation

In the U.S., bipartisan gridlock and heavy lobbying from Big Tech giants like Google and Meta have paralyzed efforts to regulate AI. Attempts to establish ethical guidelines for AI use, particularly in military applications, have been repeatedly blocked.

• Recent revelations show defence contractors collaborating with tech companies to deploy semi-autonomous drone systems with minimal oversight.
• “The lack of regulation on lethal AI systems is terrifying,” warns an international security expert. “It’s a race to develop weapons no one fully understands.”

A Series of Criminal Neglect: Actions by Nations and Corporations

Dilution of Euro 7 Standards

The European Union, yielding to intense lobbying from automakers, has weakened the Euro 7 emissions standards. Initially designed to impose strict limits on harmful air pollutants, these diluted regulations favour short-term corporate profits at the expense of European citizens' health. By delaying the introduction of tougher requirements, EU member states have handed automakers a free pass to continue producing polluting vehicles for years to come.

"This is a blatant giveaway to the automotive industry. Public health takes a backseat to shareholder returns."

Delays in Phasing Out ICE Vehicles

The EU's ambitious proposal to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035 has faced sustained opposition from major automotive nations like Germany, Italy, and Poland, which are home to powerful automakers heavily reliant on fossil fuel technology. Their efforts to weaken or delay the phaseout include lobbying for loopholes, proposing alternative timelines, and using regulatory tactics to prolong ICE production under the guise of “compromise”.

Germany’s Push for eFuels Loopholes

Germany has aggressively lobbied for the inclusion of eFuels in the 2035 phase-out plan. eFuels, touted as a carbon-neutral alternative, are highly inefficient, energy-intensive, and costly to produce. By securing their inclusion, Germany has created a backdoor for ICE vehicles to remain on the market well beyond 2035.

Automotive Interests: Germany’s luxury carmakers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche, have been key drivers behind this lobbying effort. Porsche, in particular, has invested heavily in eFuels production facilities, making it a vested interest in ensuring their long-term use.

"Synthetic fuels are a smokescreen to prolong the life of fossil fuels. It’s greenwashing on an industrial scale."

Italy’s Call for Special Exemptions

Italy, under pressure from its automakers such as Fiat (Stellantis) and Ferrari, has pushed for further delays and exemptions. Italian officials argue that the unique characteristics of their automotive sector, which focuses on smaller vehicles and performance cars, warrant exceptions. Italy has gone so far as to propose a staggered approach that would allow niche manufacturers to produce ICE vehicles well beyond 2035.

Poland and Hungary’s Legal Threats

Poland and Hungary have taken more aggressive steps by threatening legal action against the EU's 2035 phase-out plan. Both countries, heavily reliant on fossil fuels for their economies, have accused the EU of imposing "unfair" climate policies that would harm their industries. Poland has also cited concerns about the affordability of EVs for its population, despite EU plans to subsidize the transition, or evidence from China that EVs can be cheaper than equivalent ICE vehicles!

Expanding Loopholes Beyond eFuels

While the eFuels clause is a major setback, other loopholes have also emerged:

• Hybrid Extensions: Several countries have lobbied for hybrid vehicles to remain on the market indefinitely, arguing that they are a "necessary" step in the transition to full electrification.
• Fleet Exceptions: Nations with smaller markets have pushed for exceptions for low-volume producers, a move critics say would disproportionately benefit luxury brands that cater to the ultra-wealthy.

Implications of Delayed ICE Phaseout

Undermining Climate Goals

The inclusion of eFuels and other loopholes undermines the EU's ability to meet its 2030 and 2050 climate targets. Analysts warn that these delays will result in continued reliance on fossil fuels, making it virtually impossible for the EU to honour its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

"The 2035 phaseout was supposed to be a clear line in the sand. Instead, it’s a patchwork of exceptions that weakens the EU's credibility as a climate leader.”

Prolonging Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

The delays also prolong the lifespan of fossil fuel infrastructure, from refineries to distribution networks, which would otherwise be phased out. This risks locking the EU into decades of emissions, even as global climate crises worsen.

Erosion of Public Trust

For citizens and activists, these moves signal that corporate profits and national interests continue to take precedence over environmental and public health. Activists have described the EU’s concessions as a betrayal of the younger generation.

"This isn’t leadership; it’s cowardice. How can we trust a system that prioritizes lobbyists over our future?"

A Future at Stake

The EU's proposed ICE phaseout is a critical component of global decarbonization efforts. Yet, the concerted actions of nations like Germany, Italy, Poland, and Hungary have turned a bold initiative into a diluted compromise. These delays are not just policy missteps; they are deliberate efforts to prioritize the interests of corporations over the survival of humanity.

"We are running out of time to act. Every delay makes the task ahead harder; and the consequences more catastrophic."

“Drill, Baby, Drill” Redux

During Donald Trump’s first term, fossil fuel extraction was expanded with devastating speed. Protected lands, including areas near national parks and indigenous territories, were opened for oil and gas drilling under executive orders. Notable examples include the reduction of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, clearing the way for energy development. Additionally, the Trump administration aggressively pursued the Willow Project in Alaska, which was fast-tracked despite widespread opposition from environmental groups and indigenous communities.

The Willow Project was later approved under the Biden administration in 2023, its origins trace back to the groundwork laid during Trump’s presidency, illustrating the long-term impact of policies prioritizing fossil fuel expansion.

• New federal policies include incentives for coal power plants to resume operations, directly contradicting previous commitments to decarbonize.
• “This isn’t just backsliding; it’s outright sabotage of global climate efforts.”

Brazil: Deforestation Accelerates Under Industry Pressure

Despite leadership changes, powerful agribusiness and mining lobbies have accelerated deforestation in the Amazon. Illegal logging and land grabs continue unchecked, erasing what remains of Earth’s largest carbon sink. This devastation is driven by global demand for beef, soy, and rare minerals, highlighting complicity from international corporations.

• “Every hectare lost brings us closer to planetary tipping point. Yet no one is being held accountable.”

Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Greenwashing While Expanding Oil

While Saudi Arabia boasts plans for futuristic green cities like NEOM, it simultaneously invests billions in expanding oil and gas production. The UAE, host of the COP28 climate conference, has appointed the head of its national oil company as the conference president—a symbolic middle finger to global climate efforts.

• “These nations are pretending to lead while ensuring the planet burns.”

India: Gutting Environmental Protections

Under its populist regime, India has systematically dismantled environmental protections to fast-track industrial projects. Coastal zones, forests, and wetlands have been reclassified to allow construction and resource extraction.

• “This is an ecological disaster in the making. India’s emissions will outpace its renewable ambitions.”

Australia: New Coal Mines in the Face of Disaster

Despite being among the nations hardest hit by climate change (facing record-breaking bushfires, floods, and heatwaves) Australia continues to approve new coal mining projects.

• Most notably, the Carmichael coal mine by Adani Group has become a symbol of climate hypocrisy.
• “How can a nation burning in its own climate crisis justify expanding the very industry causing it?”

Complicity and Consequences

These examples illustrate a chilling pattern: the most influential nations and corporations, those with the power to steer humanity away from catastrophe, are actively compounding the crises. While smaller nations lead by example, these “bastard actions” not only undermine progress but actively chart a course toward extinction.

"This is not neglect; it’s sabotage on a planetary scale. And we are all paying the price."

Anticipating the Critics: A Reality Check for the Deniers

“This Is Alarmism”

Critics often dismiss such assessments as fearmongering. Yet, the evidence is undeniable. If this is alarmism, it is because the alarm has been ringing for decades; ignored by those who find it inconvenient.

“Climate Change Is a Hoax”

To those who claim the climate crisis is exaggerated: insurance companies are already pricing climate risks into homes, and entire regions are becoming uninsurable. Denying the crisis does not make the floods, fires, and famines go away.

"Climate denial is no longer just ignorance; it’s also a political strategy. And that strategy is putting billions of lives at risk." —Dr. Michael E. Mann, Climate Scientist and Author of The New Climate War.

Debunking Rogue Scientists

Some dissenting scientists argue against the urgency of climate action or AI regulation. For instance, Dr. William Happer, a prominent climate sceptic, claims that "CO2 is not a pollutant but a benefit to agriculture." However, such claims ignore the overwhelming scientific consensus that excessive CO2 levels destabilize ecosystems, causing unpredictable weather patterns and catastrophic climate events.

Similarly, a small number of AI researchers dismiss fears of runaway AI. Dr. Rodney Brooks has stated, "We are far from creating machines that pose existential risks." While this may be true of current technology, it ignores the exponential nature of AI advancements and the lack of regulatory safeguards.

Debunking these perspectives requires one simple point: scientific consensus is not about unanimity but about the weight of evidence. The fringe views of a few scientists cannot outweigh decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research by thousands of experts.

“Technology Will Save Us”

Faith in future technology to solve these crises ignores a critical truth: technology is a tool, not a saviour. Without ethical frameworks and global cooperation, it is more likely to exacerbate problems than solve them.

"The belief that technology will magically solve these crises ignores the fact that technology reflects the priorities of those who control it. Without ethics, it becomes a tool for profit, not progress." —Dr. Shoshana Zuboff, Author of The Age of Surveillance Capitalism.

“It’s Not That Bad”

It’s worse than you think. The crises we see today are the result of emissions and policies from decades ago. The real impacts of today’s inaction will be felt by our children.

As a parent, I ask: will you still deny these realities when your child’s future is collapsing around them? Or will you finally admit we had the power to act and chose not to?

The Exponential Decline

By 2030, the world could see:

• AI disruptions eliminate millions of jobs.
• Climate tipping points making recovery impossible.
• Authoritarian regimes stifling dissent and dismantling international cooperation.

"Our interconnected world means that crises don’t happen in isolation. Economic instability fuels authoritarianism, which delays climate action, which worsens resource scarcity and the cycle accelerates." —Dr. Donella Meadows, Co-Author of Limits to Growth.

By 2040-2050, societal collapse may be underway, driven by resource wars, mass migrations, and uninhabitable regions. By the time my child reaches middle age, they could live in a world unrecognizable to us today; a fractured, hostile planet with dwindling resources.

The Death of Hope

It’s difficult, as a parent, to grapple with the overwhelming guilt of raising a child in a world on the brink. I often wonder if I’m preparing them for a future that no longer exists. The systems we trusted to safeguard humanity have failed us, and we are left to bear the burden of that failure.

"What haunts me is not just the data, but the faces of the next generation. They will ask why we let this happen." —Greta Thunberg, Climate Activist.

But giving up entirely isn’t an option. For my child’s sake, I refuse to surrender to despair, even as the odds grow slimmer. The least we can do is face this reality head-on; with clarity, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to resist the forces driving us toward extinction.

Epilogue: Hope in the Shadows, Futility in the Light

As humanity edges closer to its self-made precipice, there are glimmers of hope emerging from corners often overlooked by global powers. Small nations, unencumbered by the inertia of great empires, are taking bold steps toward a sustainable future. However, the monumental rise of oligarchic authoritarianism casts a dark shadow over these efforts, threatening to render them futile.

Examples of Small Nations Leading the Charge

1. Costa Rica: A Renewable Energy Powerhouse

Costa Rica generates nearly 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, demonstrating that even a modestly resourced nation can achieve energy independence while slashing emissions. The country has also implemented policies to reforest vast areas, creating a carbon sink that offsets emissions beyond its borders.

2. Bhutan: The Carbon-Negative Champion

Bhutan has achieved what most nations consider impossible: it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits. With strict environmental protections and a commitment to Gross National Happiness rather than GDP growth, Bhutan offers a template for how nations might prioritize well-being over consumption.

3. Estonia: A Digital Sustainability Model

Estonia has leveraged its digital infrastructure to reduce waste, optimize energy usage, and promote civic engagement. The nation’s e-governance systems have slashed bureaucratic inefficiencies, showing how technology can be a tool for sustainability rather than exploitation.

4. Uruguay: A Quiet Green Revolution

Uruguay, with over 95% of its electricity coming from renewable energy, has managed this transformation in less than 15 years. By investing heavily in wind and solar while subsidizing clean energy access for citizens, Uruguay has redefined what a small country can achieve with the right policies.

The Desperation of Too Little, Too Late

These examples offer glimpses of what humanity could achieve if aligned with sustainability and equity. Yet, the bitter truth is that these efforts stand isolated in a global landscape dominated by power, greed, and ignorance.

The oligarchic forces driving environmental degradation and unchecked AI advancement wield influence that dwarfs the capacities of these small nations. Every step forward in Costa Rica or Bhutan is offset by fossil fuel expansion in Russia, deforestation in Brazil, or coal dependence in China. The audacity of these smaller nations feels both inspiring and tragic, as their achievements are constantly undermined by systemic neglect and global-scale exploitation.

"The tragedy isn’t that these nations are failing; it’s that they are succeeding against all odds, only to see their progress eclipsed by the unyielding machinery of greed."

A Parent’s Plea Amid Despair

As a parent, I watch with equal parts admiration and despair. I want to believe that these small victories can inspire a global shift, and that the courage of a Bhutan or a Costa Rica might ignite change in larger nations. But the relentless march of authoritarianism and oligarchic greed makes this hope feel fragile, even naive.

When I look at my 6-year-old, I see both the innocence of a child and the weight of a world that may not sustain him into adulthood. These small nations are beacons in the darkness, but the darkness itself continues to grow. Unless these efforts are amplified and supported by global powers, they may become nothing more than footnotes in humanity’s slow demise.

This is not a call to give up; it is a call to recognise the scale of the fight before us. It is a plea to amplify the good being done and to dismantle the systems that perpetuate harm. The stakes are no longer abstract. They are as real and immediate as the air my and your child breathe.

"Hope alone is not enough. Action is required, not just by the willing few, but by the reluctant many who have the power to change humanity’s course."

The question is no longer whether we can avoid extinction. The question is whether we will act to ensure that, if the end comes, it will be on our terms, with dignity and a legacy of having tried.