Changes in the Earth's atmosphere have already been going on for an unimaginable amount of time. Brief blips of evolution have appeared and disappeared on the turbulent surface as the atmospheric chemistry evolves and bubbles under the influence of universal events, shifts in local environments, and inner turmoil. The planet is still around after all this time and seems able to cope with changes on the surface without too much trouble.

However, entities that have arrived, evolved, or were created by some kind of god, are likely to be short-lived under either of two conditions. The first is an environment that evolves faster than the life that relies on it, or the second is an imbalance of some kind. Too much or not enough of something usually results in an end or a change, with some kind of new benchmark being the outcome. Unfortunately, the human race seems to be facing both possibilities and perhaps the entity that really needs saving or changing is actually us - not the planet or the climate.

The human race is extraordinary yet highly destructive; greedy when consuming resources but lazy when dealing with the consequences; brilliant at solving problems, but also great at creating them. The result is a much quoted 'tipping-point' that has already been passed within only a few generations - an incredibly short amount of time in terms of evolution.

It's about balance

Pressure on the environment and sustainability, or prolonged emission of anything into the atmosphere is likely to create an imbalance, or result in changes. Common sense tells us this in a voice that's just as loud as the sirens of scientists and activists - but until it has a direct impact on daily lives or the economy, most people won't worry too much. This is human nature as shaped by the requirements of an ever-expanding population - a population that has developed an instinct to look inwards and consume.

So...it's all doom and gloom then?

Those who are aware and understand the data are probably pushing their chairs under the desk, and quietly walking away as they know things can never be as they were. It's not the end of the planet, but it may be the end of something familiar.

Climate is just one factor that's affected by other issues. The real question is how long can the rapid consumption of resources, and destruction of our coexistence with the natural world continue. A planet that has to support exponential populations can only become exhausted, and the result has to be change. Is there enough time for adaptation to take place? How can we fix 'too many people'?

The signs are not good. Science and technology are seriously looking at populating other planets, and pouring time and money into the creation of artificial thought processes and virtual worlds. These technologies are fascinating, but seem to be working towards an escape from the real world (both mentally and physically), instead of directly addressing the very real and growing problems surrounding our physical existence on this planet.

We know from experience that things might get worse before they get better. There is likely to be further pollution, shortages, destruction, war, and disease. Big changes may come very quickly if any of the vital resources for daily life become scarce, or if some kind of global catastrophe is triggered.

If there's no one left...

If there is some form of extinction event, some life forms may be resilient or remote enough to continue the process of evolution. If the human race as it is today does not survive, it's possible that something like it may well evolve again if similar conditions return or arise. Perhaps this has already happened in the deep dark distant past, and we are just a small part of a vast, cyclical process of creation and destruction.

Meanwhile, planet Earth spins on into the future - safe and sound.

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Matt Sheen MMXX
mattsheen (at) webstar.tv

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