Lancet report names AI misuse and nuclear war as top extinction risks by 2100

A new global health risk assessment by The Lancet Commission identifies AI misuse and nuclear conflict as the leading threats to human survival by 2100.

The report models health loss from 17 major threats over the next 75 years, using disability-adjusted life years (Dalys) to quantify potential harm.

Other top risks include climate change, childhood malnutrition, air pollution, and antimicrobial resistance, all of which could cause over 1 billion Dalys of health loss.

Experts emphasized that while the likelihood of these threats remains low, their potential to cause extinction is significant, particularly in the case of nuclear conflict or AI-driven biological weapons.

The commission, composed of 35 experts, warned that many of these threats can be mitigated with targeted action, including investment in health systems and technological innovation.

The report highlights the need for global cooperation, noting that solutions exist for each threat, but require urgent attention from policymakers at all levels.