‘All human life will be wiped out in 20 years’ says professor set to talk in York
The Priory Street Centre, Priory Street, York YO1 6ET
Thu Apr 9 @ 7.30pm
Free, but donations invited
An American professor who believes that irreversible climate change will end all human life on the planet by the 2030s is to speak in York.
Guy McPherson is professor emeritus of natural resources and ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of Arizona.
He says that global warming is already out of control and accelerating – and will lead to mass extinction, including that of humanity, within a generation.
Currently on a European tour – Abrupt climate change and pursuing a life of excellence – his only date in the north of England is at the Priory Street Centre in York on Thursday (April 9).
John Cossham, the organiser of the York event, said Prof McPherson will explain some of the latest research on the increasing number of climatic feedback mechanisms that are coming into play.
Then there will be a question and answer session and discussion.
What Prof McPherson believes
In his 2013 book, Going Dark Prof McPherson wrote that he previously believed “complete collapse of the world’s industrial economy” would reduce global warming and “allow our species to persist a few more generations”.
Not only are the lights about to go out on industrial civilisation but the lights are about to go out on our species.
– Guy McPherson
But there is a positive element to his talk in York. John Cossham said Prof McPherson’s vision of ‘living a life of excellence’ “incorporates much that’s good about being human, about our potential to enrich each others lives, to enjoy what’s wonderful about being alive”.
John added:
Whatever the next few decades have in store for our species, we should really be trying to live in ways which enhance all that’s good about humanity, such as our ability to empathise, to be kind to one another and share resources fairly.
Guy’s message is both frightening and heart-warming. I’m really looking forward to hearing what he has to say.
John said he recognised that people will be troubled by the idea scientists have evidence that humanity may be made extinct within their lifetimes.
“We have made plans to offer support directly after the talk, and in a separate meeting one week afterwards,” he said.
To stop this we may have to move to another planet or people can stop opening factories and recycle things
Postscript
I forgot to ask how the process of mass extinction is predicted to happen.
Are we invited to believe that half of the world’s population will be gone within 10 years and if so how, where and why? Global decline or hotspots of extinctions?
If Prof. Mc (son of) Pherson has children and grandchildren, has he advised them not to plan for financial, social and emotional security after 19 years and 364 days?
Many religions have predicted the end of the world and some calculated dates which have been and gone. What makes the 20 year prediction any different?
Prof. GP is undoubtedly brave, in that he will be acutely aware of the fact that his own calculations show, that unless the world’s total population has dropped off the precipice by that time, many billions of people will be living proof of the fact that he was wrong and in his own lifetime. Embarrassing or what?
Should we vote for political parties which plan for the next 20 years and on the assumption that everything will come to an abrupt stop after that time?
It may be that he had some words of wisdom and if so, they need to be teased out of what sounds like a completely and utterly absurd prediction. Make one absurd claim and run the risk that sound information will be dismissed, i.e. baby gets thrown out with the bathwater. That is why I asked if there may be a hidden agenda here to undermine those who act in ways which are intended to safeguard each other and our planet? Put another way, who needs enemies with friends like that?
Take climate change very seriously and act responsibly – definitely.
More floods, droughts, rising sea levels – definitely.
Everyone gone in 20 years – as cranky as anything can get.
It brings environmentalism into disrepute.
I can only ask if that is the purpose?
Any connection with David Icke?
what a sad article. have some faith in your fellow men.
they have been predicting doomsday for many centuries and here we are and will go on being.
there will be dictators and bad leaders and disasters but they will be overcome. Watch your vote, be aware of the world around you and shout out in the media about your worries.
Crank….
Dooooommmd all dooooooomd
good grief ….. they still can’t accurately predict the weather for two days time, so I’m not worried about this prediction !!! 🙂
I love nutters,,, it would be a boring world if they became extinct
Perhaps he should be aiming this message at a ‘less aware’ audience such as on the election tour.
looks familiar…
With hair like that…
I think its clear that global warming and climate change are happening, so I made this film for people to share awareness of climate change; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjUVWICiH44
Just time for another bath, then.
Ha, he seems like a cheery outgoing chappie! Will have to go for a pint with him sometime and talk about the death of our species, that would be nice!
In a city with not just one but two universities the choice of venue is interesting to say the least.
This has been organised by people in the community, for anyone in the community to attend. As the other UK venues are London, Bristol and Scotland, this talk is attracting people from all over central and Northern England, many of whom will arrive by train. Priory St Centre is fully accessible (disabled toilets, level access) and is 5 minutes walk from the station and buses.
https://fractalplanet.wordpress.com/2014/02/17/how-guy-mcpherson-gets-it-wrong/
As it turns out, Scott Johnson’s year-old essay is riddled with errors. But if you’re into ad hominem attacks, it’s the place for you: http://guymcpherson.com/2014/12/how-scott-johnson-gets-it-wrong/
The truth is that no-one can predict the future. However, this talk will see the latest research shared, all of which points towards a very difficult time for humanity.
Come to the talk and make your own mind up.