Dr. Stephen Hawking has warned that science and technology are likely to wipe out humanity through methods such as global warming, genetically-engineered (GM) viruses, and nuclear war, unless it can escape Earth and relocate to space colonies. However, the Cambridge professor predicted that humans will not establish such Jetson-like homes for another century, so humans must be very careful during until then.

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The top cosmologist shared his thoughts about the future during a question and answer session on January 7, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. It was at London's Royal Institution.  

Hawking answered an audience member's question about the Earth's future. It was whether the world would end naturally or humans would destroy it before that happened.

Hawking argues that humans should recognize and control the dangers to the human race. That will help them to survive.

He explained that the chances of GM viruses, nuclear war, and global warming are increasing. Humans might be unable to stop them.

Hawking said that the chance of a disaster hitting planet Earth during any year is very low, according to The Independent. However, within a thousand or 10,000 years it would almost indubitably happen.

The Cambridge Professor explained that by that time humans will probably be living in outer space. Therefore, an Earth-wide disaster would not end the human race.

In the past Hawking has made several warnings that science and technology could cause major damage to the human race. Big dangers include artificial intelligence (AI) and viruses.

However, Hawking has hope for the future. He believes that humans could control the big dangers.

He noted that future scientists can help the public. They can explain new science and technology so people can make better decisions about the future.

Hawking earned a doctorate degree from the University of Cambridge. He was 24 years old.

The British professor has also won several awards, medals, prizes, and honorary degrees. He is a Fellow of The Royal Society and a Member of the United States' National Academy of Sciences.

Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21. This has required him to use a wheelchair and computerized voice system. He still hopes to travel to space in the future.