How would you prevent humanity from destroying itself?

Question

As technology increases, the capability of the individual to influence the world also increases. Inflicting harm is one such capability. Given that a small percentage of the population wants to use such capability, how then can we prevent such actions?

Answer 1

Good question! In part, I think President Bush is on the right track (regardless of actual or perceived motives). You need to keep WMD's out of the hands of radical elements around the world. The current problem is that some radical elements already have WMD’s such as Pakistan, India, China and our old ‘friend’ Russia. The ‘super radical’ countries like N. Korea and Iran need to be denied access at all costs. Because of the frailties and faults that seem to be ingrained in humankind, particularly those in control of the money and power, I perceive this a losing battle, eventually.

This being so, there is only one option left and that is to make the penalties for using WMD’s so costly that none would dare to use them. Have you ever seen the old B&W SciFi movie (one of my all time favorites) called “The Day the Earth Stood Still”. Basically, the earth is given an ultimatum such that they are free to use WMDs on themselves at their pleasure, but the day they threaten other space fairing races with WMD’s, the planet Earth will be utterly destroyed. Something like that …

At some point in the future, the totally insane (like Mahmoud Ahmadinejad or some other terrorist) will get and probably use WMD’s and the retribution against them and anyone aiding and abetting will have to be so drastic that an incident of this sort will never ever happen a second time. This might buy us enough time to come to our senses and work in peace and unity throughout the world. I am not sure we are noble enough or smart enough to reach this stage of existence.

Answer 2

We don't prevent Lemmings from going over the cliff why should we prevent Humanity from wiping itself out if that is the path we're on ? I say let nature take it course and if the human race dies out then it's safe to say the experiment is over.

Answer 3

To introduce The Human Right To Peace into the Constituition or equivalent of each nation.

To make it a right for all Humanity to own The Planet

To have rights which include the right to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, and to an unpolluted environment, The Right to a world without Man Accelerated Global Warming