Stephen Hawking is without question the most recognizable scientist of our time.

He is considered to be the “modern Einstein”, and his work in cosmology and theoretical physics is unmatched among his contemporaries. In addition to his work on gravitational singularities and quantum mechanics, he is also responsible for discovering that black holes emit radiation.

Recently Hawking came out with a major announcement, he says there two human factors that can end humankind. He says pollution coupled with human greed and stupidity are still the biggest threats.

Hawking told Larry King that in the six years since he’s spoken with the talk show host people haven’t cleaned up their act.

“We certainly have not become less greedy or less stupid,” Hawking said. “The population has grown by half a billion since our last meeting, with no end in sight. At this rate, it will be eleven billion by 2100.”

He noted that the massive problem of pollution has only grown in the last five years.

“Air pollution has increased over the past five years,” he said. “More than 80% of inhabitants of urban areas are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution.”

Stephen Hawking: Human race is in danger, and it’s our fault.

When asked what the biggest problem facing the world is, Hawking said climate change.

Hawking told King he wonders if we are past the point of no return.  “Will we be too late to avoid dangerous levels of global warming?”

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