Risk of astronomical suffering

[5] Sources of possible s-risks include embodied artificial intelligence[6] and superintelligence,[7] as well as space colonization, which could potentially lead to "constant and catastrophic wars"[8] and an immense increase in wild animal suffering by introducing wild animals, who "generally lead short, miserable lives full of sometimes the most brutal suffering", to other planets, either intentionally or inadvertently.

[10] Additionally, s-risks might arise incidentally, such as through AI-driven simulations of conscious beings experiencing suffering, or from economic activities that disregard the well-being of nonhuman or digital minds.

Additionally, the lack of natural predators or proper biodiversity on colonized planets could worsen the situation, mirroring Earth’s ecological problems on a larger scale.

Strategies like a "cosmic Leviathan" to impose order or deterrence policies are unlikely to succeed due to physical limitations in space and the destructive power of future technologies.

These risks escalate in situations such as warfare or terrorism, especially when advanced technology is involved, as conflicts can amplify destructive tendencies like sadism, tribalism, and retributivism.

[16] David Pearce's concept of "cosmic rescue missions" proposes the idea of sending probes to alleviate potential suffering in extraterrestrial environments.

[17] However, challenges include the lack of confirmed extraterrestrial life, uncertainty about their consciousness, and public support concerns, with environmentalists advocating for non-interference and others focusing on resource extraction.