Researchers from Stockholm University in Sweden conducted a study that identifies 14 so-called evolutionary traps that could steer humanity toward self-imposed extinction. The study examines how these pitfalls emerge as the world changes and warns of how underlying dynamics shape long-term survival challenges.
According to the researchers, rapid technological progress has amplified many risks. The report describes a phase called polycrisis, where multiple threats such as climate disruption and global health events converge to create conditions that could ultimately end the Anthropocene era.
Humans show remarkable ingenuity. They can innovate, adapt, and coordinate on large scales. Yet these same strengths may bring unintended consequences, says Peter Søgaard Jørgensen of Stockholm University, as cited in Infobae.
The current economic model is cited as a major threat to sustainable progress. The study highlights a list of 14 potential evolutionary dead ends, with five showing global reach:
1- Simplification: systems become overly specialized, losing resilience as seen in monocultures.
2- Obsessive growth: a constant push for GDP and consumption that harms well-being.
3- Overexploitation: extracting resources beyond what Earth can support.
4- Conflicts: rising societal division and more international tensions.
5- Deterioration of health: spread of infectious diseases and resistance to treatments.
The remaining five are described as technological traps and include:
6- Continued dependence on fossil fuels, which hinders a rapid shift to clean energy sources.
7- Chemical contamination harming health and ecosystems.
8- Technologies that threaten planetary boundaries, including weapons of mass destruction.
9- Growing autonomy in technology and robotics, with concerns about advancing artificial intelligence.
10- Disinformation and misinformation that erode trust and decision-making.
Researchers add that the last four structural traps are largely economic and digital in nature:
11- Short-termism and a lack of long-range planning.
12- Excessive consumption, placing pressure on planetary systems.
13- Disconnection from the biosphere and unsustainable human behavior toward the only place life survives.
14- Loss of social capital as a highly digital world alters how people interact and can deepen divisions.
Experts estimate that 12 of these 14 problems are already in an advanced stage. The traps can reinforce one another, suggesting a risk of being stuck in multiple areas at once.
In addition to rising health threats tied to environmental damage, the study notes that global diseases and ecological stress often go hand in hand with social and economic pressures.
There is still hope
Evolutionary traps are a well-known concept in nature, where certain reflexes lead species toward harm. Søgaard Jørgensen argues that humanity faces a similar risk with new phenomena, and he emphasizes the need for deliberate change in how society responds to novel challenges.
Despite the grim outlook, the researchers remain hopeful. They call for proactive transformation that shifts focus to constructive paths and systemic change.
“Just as many insects are drawn to light, an evolutionary reflex can steer a species toward harm, and humanity risks reacting to new phenomena in harmful ways.”
Researchers stress that humanity is capable of both narrow-mindedness and creativity. This dual nature leaves room for a positive outcome if actions align with protective and restorative goals. A simple yet powerful start is to engage more with nature and communities, while learning how local actions shape global consequences. Supporting what must be protected stands out as a practical takeaway.
Reference work: citations from the Royal Society B study. [Source attribution: Stockholm University researchers; summary presented in scientific reviews]
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