In The Precipice, Toby Ord provides an in-depth look at existential risks, which he defines as threats that could either annihilate humanity or irreversibly destroy our ability to develop and thrive in the future. Ord draws upon a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, science, and history, to assess the risks we face today, from nuclear war and climate change to pandemics and artificial intelligence.

The book presents a thoughtful examination of how humanity's actions and decisions today will affect the long-term future of the species. Ord argues that we are living in a crucial moment where our capacity for global cooperation, technological progress, and foresight will determine whether we are able to navigate the risks of the coming century. He emphasizes the moral responsibility we have to future generations, urging readers to take steps to reduce existential risks and secure the survival and flourishing of humanity in the long term.