Why is it Highly Likely that Humans Will Leave the Story of Our Planet Long Before Earth Becomes a Microbial-only Planet Again?

Given the current state of our planet and the impacts of climate change, deforestation, and pollution, it is highly probable that humans will leave the story of our planet well before Earth becomes a microbial-only planet again due to natural processes such as a changing Sun or the formation of a supercontinent. Let's explore the reasons behind this belief.

Human Impact on the Planet

Humans are significantly altering the environment through various means. Climate change, due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, is causing global temperatures to rise, leading to widespread ecological disruptions and potentially irreversible changes. Deforestation for agricultural purposes is further exacerbating these issues, not to mention the pollution of limited fresh water resources.

Much of this can be attributed to the unsustainable practices of industries and individuals driven by profit. This rapid alteration is likely to result in Earth becoming uninhabitable for complex life forms far sooner than the Earth becomes a desert due to the Sun's increased brightness or experiences the formation of a supercontinent.

The Predicted Microbial-only Time

The microbial-only time, also known as the post-eschatological Earth, is projected to occur one billion years from now. However, this timeline has shifted dramatically due to human activity. In geological terms, one billion years ago, life on Earth was quite simple, lacking vertebrates and most mammal species only lasted for a few million years at most.

The scope for changes in the next billion years is vast, and it is extremely unlikely for the human race to survive in its current form. Evolution, human extinction, or our transmutation into something entirely new is more plausible. The Earth's future will undoubtedly see humanity's presence wane, if not disappear entirely.

Future Predictions and Scenarios

As the Sun evolves, Earth is expected to become a desert-like planet, but this won't happen for billions of years. Instead, human-induced changes could lead to a collapse of global systems, ultimately leading to our own demise. Additionally, extraterrestrial events such as a planet-sized asteroid impact or a supermassive black hole could obliterate humanity and other lower life forms.

The collapse could be on a global scale, potentially resulting in an Armageddon-like scenario. The end of the world as we know it could be caused by a combination of these factors, leading to extinction or significant changes in the human race.

The Anthropocene Era

The current era, known as the Anthropocene, is marked by the significant impact of human activities on the planet. If humanity were wiped out by an asteroid or some other event, traces of our existence would remain in the geological record for billions of years to come. Concrete, bricks, and stone structures that make up urban environments would be preserved in the Earth's crust, providing evidence of our presence long after we are gone.

Geological changes mean that some of these structures may erode over time, but not all of them. Future extraterrestrial visitors could study these materials and recognize their artificial origins, pondering the fate of the species that created them. This enduring legacy will be a testament to our impact on the Earth, even as we may no longer be around to revel in it or make changes to it ourselves.

Conclusion

The future of Earth remains uncertain, but it is clear that human activity is playing a significant role in shaping this uncertainty. Whether through gradual environmental degradation or sudden, catastrophic events, the Earth will continue to evolve, and our presence on it may not be a permanent feature. Understanding these factors is crucial for fostering sustainable practices and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.