Near Term Human Extinction

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Near Term Human Extinction is a theory that climate and ecological crisis will accelerate rapidly, leading to the extinction of the human race in a matter of a few years. Under this theory, key pathways for human extinction include the release of vast amounts of methane due to Arctic heating, the aerosol masking effect exacerbating climate change as fossil fuel combustion declines, leading to the collapse of global food production through extreme weather (flash drought, heatwaves, flooding etc). In addition to this, as civilization collapses, the worlds fleet of 450+ nuclear power stations fail to be properly maintained, and release vast amounts of ionizing radiation into the environment. 

A leading proponent of the NTHE theory is Guy McPherson who is professor emeritus of natural resources, ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona. People who ascribe to this view are often referred to as Doomers.

Vita's view on Near Term Human Extinction theory is that it is flawed, scientifically. It is agreed that climate change is an existential threat to human civilization, however, Vita does not believe that this is imminent. If humans do go extinct it is more likely to be a long, drawn-out process taking place over decades, or maybe a century or so. Our other objection to the NTHE movement is that Doomerism dissuades people from taking action. We have a big enough task ahead of us to Advance the Verdant Age, without a chunk of the population throwing up their hands in resignation. Better that they roll up their sleeves and get to work. Vita's alternative to Doomers are Gloomers, as per the Gloomer Manifesto, below.