Peter Ward: A theory of Earth's mass extinctions

The video explores the concept of habitable planets, focusing on Earth's unique conditions. It discusses mass extinctions, particularly the K-T and Permian events, and the role of microbial life in these extinctions. The potential future risks of climate change and hydrogen sulfide are examined, along with their implications for life on Earth. The video concludes with a discussion on the medical applications of hydrogen sulfide and a Q&A session.

Explain the significance of the Cambrian explosion in the context of life's complexity.

What challenges do scientists face in understanding the patterns of survival during mass extinctions?

What are the potential consequences of rising CO2 levels on Earth's ecosystems?

How does the author propose to use hydrogen sulfide in medical breakthroughs?