A 1960 mathematical study by Austrian scientist Heinz von Foerster predicted that humanity could reach "doomsday" on Friday, November 13, 2026, if population growth continued accelerating unchecked. His model suggested the global population would eventually become mathematically infinite, overwhelming Earth’s resources.
While the prediction is unlikely to come true, the theory raises broader concerns about climate change, sustainability, food security, and the limits of Earth’s resources as the population grows.
Von Foerster’s prediction is just one of many warnings about humanity’s future. Throughout history, people have made prophecies about the end of the world, while natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis have repeatedly caused devastation and led many to wonder if the end was near.
In the following gallery, discover some of the most famous predictions about the end of the world.