Just how near is the end of the world? Behind the veil of safety of everyday life in the West lurks the sinister reality of a chaotic universe. Doomsday reveals the very real threats posed to modern civilization as the 21st century progresses, and asks the question: Is humanity on the path to destruction? War, famine, plague, global warming, nuclear meltdown: all have the potential to extinguish life on Earth forever. While our technology can help us overcome these perils, that same technology may itself contain the seeds of catastrophe. In fifty compelling essays, including entries on mega-tsunamis, a new ice-age, a giant meteor strike, nuclear holocaust and nanotechnology running amok, Doomsday depicts the possible scenarios of annihilation to come and assesses our chances of survival, if any.