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arXiv:1505.00246physics.soc-ph

Nuclear War from a Cosmic Perspective

Max Tegmark

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Abstract

I discuss the impact of computer progress on nuclear war policy, both by enabling more accurate nuclear winter simulations and by affecting the probability of war starting accidentally. I argue that from a cosmic perspective, humanity's track record of risk mitigation is inexcusably pathetic, jeopardizing the potential for life to flourish for billions of years.

arXiv comments
Typos corrected. Based on my talk at the symposium "The Dynamics of Possible Nuclear Extinction" held February 28-March 1 2015 at The New York Academy of Medicine, http://totalwebcasting.com/view/?id=hcf
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.soc-phPhysics and Society cs.CYComputers and Society

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  1. The vision of nuclear holocaust in Threads (1984) remains visceral and urgent 1 comment

    • Long term, yeah. The ensuing nuclear winter would effect the entire planet much more than was thought in the early Cold War [1], which would absolutely affect food production. Add in the fallout, and your long-term forecast looks pretty bad. [1]…

      thatchercView on HNParent context

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