An s-risk, or suffering risk, is a risk involving the creation of suffering on an astronomical scale.

Evaluation

80,000 Hours rates s-risks a "potential highest priority area": an issue that, if more thoroughly examined, could rank as a top global challenge.^[1]

Further reading

Althaus, David & Lukas Gloor (2019) Reducing risks of astronomical suffering: a neglected priority, Center on Long-Term Risk, August.

Baumann, Tobias (2017) S-risks: an introduction, Center for Reducing Suffering, August 15.

Tomasik, Brian (2019) Risks of astronomical future suffering, Center on Long-Term Risk, July 2.

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80,000 Hours (2022) Our current list of pressing world problems, 80,000 Hours.