A Sweet Slice of Survival Strategy
If humanity ever faces its darkest hour, be it a nuclear fallout, alien invasion, or zombie apocalypse, it’s comforting to know that somewhere in the icy expanse of Norway, a stash of Oreos lies in wait. Yep, really. Nabisco, the brand behind the iconic biscuit, has built a ‘Global Oreo Vault’ to protect its cookies and secret recipe, mimicking the style (and location) of the famed Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
More Than Just a Gimmick?
What might sound like a clever ad campaign was, in fact, a very real build. Situated not far from the seed vault in Svalbard, the Oreo facility was filled with carefully wrapped cookies sealed in mylar – an ultra-durable material that can withstand temperatures between -80°C and 150°C and is impervious to moisture, air, and chemicals. According to Oreo, this keeps the biscuits fresh for years.
So yes, should civilisation crumble, a rugged trek up a frozen Norwegian mountain might reward you with the last surviving snacks on Earth – just don’t forget the milk.
The Story Behind the Vault
The idea took off in 2020, spurred by headlines warning of a potentially hazardous asteroid skimming past Earth. Oreo’s team sprang into action, producing a vault and accompanying it with cheeky videos and documentation. It wasn’t just about laughs; the company wanted to preserve its cookie legacy in the face of doomsday scenarios.
According to Dentsu, the marketing agency behind the campaign, this project wasn’t merely about product placement, it was a tongue-in-cheek nod to our survivalist impulses, mixing humour with a bit of existential what-if.
How and When Will The World End?
It might sound like something from a sci-fi film, but global catastrophe is a serious topic for researchers, and some scenarios are more probable than you might think. The Future of Life Institute outlines several risks, and while exact odds vary, some estimates offer a sobering perspective. Artificial intelligence, for instance, is seen by some experts as one of the biggest threats. In fact, recent assessments suggest there’s around a 50% chance that advanced AI could cause a major catastrophe within the next 10 years if not properly managed.
Nuclear war remains a longstanding threat too. Since the invention of atomic weapons, the potential for global devastation has loomed.
While it’s difficult to assign a precise percentage, experts generally agree that accidental or intentional nuclear conflict would almost certainly result in widespread destruction and long-term fallout. Other concerns include runaway climate change and pandemics, both of which have proven their disruptive power. Although the exact odds vary, the takeaway is clear: while the end of the world may not be around the corner, the risks are real enough to take seriously.
Not Just a Cookie Craving
While the world is full of serious prepping – from underground bunkers to self-sustaining eco-cabins, Oreo’s vault reminds us that comfort and joy, even in biscuit form, play a role in how we envision survival. After all, if you’re going to rebuild society, might as well start with something sweet.
