On 6th September, we are ran a pre conference event at “Existential risk to humanity" Conference at the GoCAS (Gothenburg Centre for Advanced Studies in Science and Technology). It was a one day catastrophe planning exercise, in Gothenburg, to explore the impact of a shock to the global food production system.
The UK Government estimates that there is an 80% chance of floods and droughts on multiple continents causing a 10% global shortfall of food production capability this century. A similar magnitude catastrophe occurred in 1816 with the “year without a summer” caused by a volcanic eruption. An event like this now is likely to kill more people and create more refugees than any other past catastrophe. Furthermore, there is an ~10% chance this century of the sun being blocked by a comet/asteroid impact, supervolcanic eruption, or nuclear war causing the burning of cities (nuclear winter). Our research tells us that further research and planning can have a significant impact on the number of lives lost in a food shock scenario.
We invited a group of academics, representatives from corporations, government and other interested people to explore the potential impact of such an event and our potential responses.
If you are interested in hosting a similar event for your organisation or network please let us know via our contact form or sign up to our mailing list and we can send you information about future events.
The UK Government estimates that there is an 80% chance of floods and droughts on multiple continents causing a 10% global shortfall of food production capability this century. A similar magnitude catastrophe occurred in 1816 with the “year without a summer” caused by a volcanic eruption. An event like this now is likely to kill more people and create more refugees than any other past catastrophe. Furthermore, there is an ~10% chance this century of the sun being blocked by a comet/asteroid impact, supervolcanic eruption, or nuclear war causing the burning of cities (nuclear winter). Our research tells us that further research and planning can have a significant impact on the number of lives lost in a food shock scenario.
We invited a group of academics, representatives from corporations, government and other interested people to explore the potential impact of such an event and our potential responses.
If you are interested in hosting a similar event for your organisation or network please let us know via our contact form or sign up to our mailing list and we can send you information about future events.
Event Details:
When: 9.30am-5pm 6th September 2017 (morning agricultural collapse, afternoon 10% shortfall) Where: Chalmers University of Technology, Campus Johanneberg, Gothenburg, Sweden |
This event is offered on a by donation basis, please