United Kingdom, Oct. 12 -- Humanity could become extinct by 2100 as a result of malicious artificial intelligence or nuclear conflict, according to a major global assessment of threats to health.

The Lancet Commission on 21st Century Global Threats to Health identified 17 major risks facing humanity over the next 75 years, ranging from climate change and antimicrobial resistance to childhood malnutrition, declining international aid and unhealthy ageing.

The report said: "Malicious use of AI, including bioweapons, and nuclear conflict with nuclear famine carry risks of extinction in the next 75 years."

The commission said the probability of either scenario remains low, but the consequences could be catastrophic.

A nuclear conflict cou...