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Reference.org
Global catastrophic risk
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<p>A global catastrophic risk or a doomsday scenario is a hypothetical event that could damage human well-being on a global scale, endangering or even destroying <a href="/facts/Modernity/kkpjFrpr">modern civilization</a>. Existential risk is a related term limited to events that could cause full-blown <a href="/facts/Human_extinction/AKGd4JlS">human extinction</a> or permanently and drastically curtail humanity's existence or potential. </p><p>In the 21st century, a number of academic and non-profit organizations have been established to research global catastrophic and existential risks, formulate potential mitigation measures, and either advocate for or implement these measures. </p>