The 7 most interesting ways the world may come to an end

Face facts, people: at some point in the distant future (i.e. 2012), the world as we know it is going to end. This “end” may come from one big giant bang that instantly explodes the entire planet. Or, more likely, a major event will take place that effectively wipes away the entire human race.

Well, if civilization as you know it is going to go down, then you may as well pray for an awesome ending. Of all the possible ways the world might end, here are seven of the most awesome:

7 Nuclear Holocaust
Given the sheer amount of nuclear warheads scattered throughout the world (2009 estimates suggest over 23,000 active nuclear devices), a nuclear holocaust is one of the most probable end-of-world scenarios. Sure, it’ll probably hurt when that radiation blast disintegrates the skin from your face, but in those few milliseconds between life and death, you’ll be treated to one helluva light show that puts even the best July 4th celebration to shame.

And if you’re not one of the lucky ones to be immediately obliterated, well then at least you’ll get to enjoy your fair share of raiding and looting before you finally succumb to radiation poisoning.

6 Alien Invasion
For anyone out there who claims to have seen a UFO, a full on alien invasion will finally be your chance to say, “I told you so.” Even for the skeptics, an alien attack would be a pretty awesome sight. We’re talking ray guns, hovering saucers and a ton of other kick ass technological advances that would help distract you from the agonizing pain that inevitably accompanies a planetary takeover. If you’re lucky, maybe the aliens will even let you fly their spaceships for a minute before they ship you off to work in their oxygen mines on planet Zorbon. Or, if the invasion is like the movie Species, maybe you’ll even get some hot sex before the alien spawn bursts forth to consume you.

5 Supervolcano
Do you remember playing “the floor is lava” as a kid? Well, with the help of a supervolcano, the entire world can make this game of imagination a reality. Supervolcanoes are exactly what they sound like – a massive volcano that has the potential to dramatically effect life on earth. Supervolcanoes are a real threat – several have occurred throughout earth’s history, including the Lake Toba eruption that caused the Ice Age and killed off 60 to 75 percent of all life on earth.

Currently, there are several looming supervolcanoes silently building under the earth’s crust. The one in Yellowstone Park is estimated at 34 miles by 45 miles in size.

4 Giant Insects
Giant insects are a common subject of sci-fi movies. Typically the result of irradiation, these giant ants/spiders/grasshoppers rise up to exact revenge on all those fly-swatting, foot-stomping humans out there. Yeah, it would totally suck to be crushed in half by the mandibles of a giant fire ant. But on the plus side, you’d get to see some giant insects climbing up the sides of skyscrapers and building giant webs across the Grand Canyon. By golly, it would be a nature photographer’s dream!

3 The Rapture
Christianity suggests the Rapture will occur upon the return of Christ. If you’re a good Christian, then you’ll be ascended into heaven to live in peace for all eternity (sweet). If you’re a sinner, well then things will still be pretty awesome because you’ll be left below and aloud to run amok without all those do-gooders around to spoil your good time. Yeah, Satan and his demons will probably be there too, whipping you with thorn spikes and stuff…but I also hear that crew throws killer parties.

2 Robot Uprising
Human technology is slowly marching toward the production of sentient robots. Inevitably, these robots will be riddled with poor programming that eventually turns our creations against us. Thanks to their superior intelligence (not to mention fire breath), these robots will easily rise up to take over the planet. Whether they outright kill us or harvest our bodies as battery packs, the sight of spinning blades, laser eyes and crushed buildings will combine to give you one surprisingly bittersweet ending.

1 Zombie Apocalypse
Is it only a matter of time before a brain virus infects the human race and slowly turns us all into the undead? Yes, yes it is. Let’s face it – of all the murdering demon spawn out there, zombies are by the far the coolest. If you’re a survivor, then you get to carry around a shotgun, live off the land and never go to another business meeting again. When you inevitably become a zombie, well then you’ll get to play hide and seek with the living 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Being a zombie also relieves you of all the stresses associated with traditional human life, allowing you to focus on what really matters – braaaaains.

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