Recently, an old scientific prophecy of Heinz von Foerster, formulated in 1960, which predicts that the November 13, 2026 This could be a critical moment for humanity. In their report titled “Doomsday: Friday, November 13, AD 2026,” the researchers warn of a possible collapse of the vital systems of societyinstead of predicting an immediate apocalypse. According to Von Foerster, if the world’s population continued to grow at the current rate, natural resources and infrastructure would not be able to support the needs of an ever-increasing population. This situation could manifest itself as a food and water shortage crisisand although population growth has begun to stabilize, concerns about long-term sustainability remain valid.
Throughout history we have seen many predictions about the end of the world which did not materialize, which adds a nuance of skepticism to Von Foerster’s prophecy. Notable examples include predictions of a universal flood in 1524and the alarming announcements about Halley’s Comet in 1910, among others, which never came true. Von Foerster’s study now invites us to reflect on the Earth’s capacity to sustain human life in the face of population growth. Beyond the date in question, his research highlights the importance of addressing questions of sustainability and responsible use of resources in the future.
Heinz von Foerster predicts the end of the world
Heinz von Foerster, an Austrian physicist, predicted that November 13, 2026 could mark a critical year for humanity, based on a study carried out in 1960. This report warns of the exponential increase in population and that if this trend continues, the planet’s resources could be exhausted. As the population continues to grow, alongside problems such as food insecurity, urban sprawl, deforestation and climate change, von Foerster suggested that these factors could lead to a collapse of the Earth.
The idea of an “end of the world” does not refer to cataclysmic disastersbut to a collapse of vital systems that support human life, generating a critical shortage of basic resources such as food and water. Even though many places have experienced slowing population growth due to social and educational changes, von Foerster’s warning about sustainability remains relevant.
Throughout history, many prophecies about the end of the world have not come true, highlighting the difficulty predicting the future. From the prophecy of a universal flood in 1524 to the predictions of Nostradamus to the misunderstanding of the Mayan calendar in 2012, these omens have fueled apocalyptic fear in popular culture.
However, the real message behind von Foerster’s study is not fear of the apocalypsebut an invitation to reflect on the way we manage the planet’s resources. The key to a sustainable future lies in finding a balance between human growth and the planet’s capacity to support that growth, which requires collaboration between governments, businesses and citizens.
Stephen Hawking’s theory
Concern about the end of the world has persisted throughout history, fueled by myths and prophecies, but in modern times it has taken a more scientific approach. Renowned physicist Stephen Hawking predicted that if climate change and the greenhouse effect are left unchecked, the Earth could become uninhabitable in 2600.
These gloomy prospects are explained by growing concern about the global warmingoverpopulation and irresponsible use of natural resources. Hawking stressed the urgency of taking drastic measures to reduce polluting emissions and protect the planet. NASA also supports these warnings, conducting research to monitor threats such as asteroids and the impact of climate change, emphasizing that action is vital to avoid ecological collapse.
On the other hand, the idea of colonize Mars has evolved from a mere fantasy to a goal that could come to fruition in the not-so-distant future, driven by the need to find alternatives for humanity in the event of a crisis on Earth. Mars is considered a viable candidate due to its similarities to our planet, although colonization faces many technical and ethical challenges.
THE thin Martian atmospherecomposed mainly of carbon dioxide, and the lack of an adequate magnetic field pose significant obstacles. For future colonists to survive, they would need structures that protect them from radiation and extreme weather conditions. Furthermore, the terraforming of Mars, which aims to make the planet habitable, raises questions about the ethics of transforming another world. Despite the challenges, Martian exploration could enable progress in understanding the solar system.
