Explore eight critical threats to human existence on Earth in this thought-provoking 23-minute TEDxMidwest talk by Stephen Petranek. Revisit the "Dark Futurist's" original TED presentation from over a decade ago, examining updated perspectives on global risks such as pandemics, solar flares, synthetic lifeforms, computer vulnerabilities, volcanic eruptions, runaway greenhouse effects, nuclear warfare, and asteroid impacts. Gain insights into the potential consequences of these existential threats and the urgency of addressing them to ensure humanity's survival.