Some religious fanatics believe that Creator intends to destroy life on planet earth, and save them, the chosen few. This view is refuted by Deuteronomy 30:19, that says we have a choice, and should choose life.
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live...
Also, we're addicted to conflicts between good guys and bad guys. The world is waiting for the Middle East to erupt into flames. The energy of religions and nations is going into war and hatred rather into cooperation and love of one's neighbor. And we are all neighbors on this small planet.
The most immediate threat we face is to the DNA itself, from radiation. Radiation causes the DNA to mutate, leading to birth defects and cancer. Rapidly dividing cells of embryos, fetuses and babies are most at risk. Harmful mutations accumulate over generations. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48662987/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/mutant-butterflies-linked-japans-nuclear-disaster/#.UNCic6x27gU
As the dominant species on the planet, we are responsible for safeguarding not only our own DNA, but that of all living creatures. All plants and animals are vulnerable to mutations from radioactivity.
One major source of radiation is the use of nuclear weapons in war, currently in the form of "depleted" uranium, with thermonuclear war still very possible. Another threat is from waste spewing from damaged nuclear energy facilities- lots from Fukushima-Daiichi, also from Chernobyl, and intermittently, from others. As extreme weather events such as Hurricane Sandy increase, more and more reactors are at risk.
Radioactive dust enters the jet stream and blows around the planet. Radioactive water is spreading through the Pacific, and will soon affect all the oceans. We could clean all of this up, but it would take total concentration and dedication. We'd have to give up war.
Right now, there are at least two possible catastrophes that could cause mass extinction. Another earthquake 8.0 or higher at Fukushima-Daiichi could topple the spent fuel pool sitting 100 feet in the air on top of the damaged building of Unit 4. (There was a 7.4 earthquake on 12/7/12). This would start an unquenchable nuclear fire, forcing evacuation of the entire site. Within a week or two the other 3 reactors would heat up and explode. The resulting release of radioactivity would equal 40 Chernobyls, which, according to some sources would be enough to render Japan, the US west coast, and perhaps the Northern Hemisphere uninhabitable.
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