New Delhi, March 5 -- What could cause the end of humanity? A few centuries back, this possibility was attributed to various communicable diseases. After the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, for several decades, nuclear war was projected as the likeliest cause of humanity's destruction.

But the realization of potential dangers also brought counter measures to protect the species. Advancements in medical research helped mitigate the deadly impact of communicable diseases. International treaties and a fear of mutual destruction have so far saved the world from a nuclear war.

In the last few decades, the overwhelming belief has been that climate change is the big danger that could bring about the end of humanity. As awareness...