In the course of our planet's history, a number of mass extinctions have occurred. The colossal creatures that once ruled Earth, the dinosaurs, vanished entirely 65 million years ago. Now, it's humans who hold dominion over the globe.
In the 21st century, roughly 75 species vanish from the Earth each day, amounting to an alarming 140,000 species disappearing annually. Many of these species become extinct even before they get a chance to be described and named by scientists.
Under human influence, the rate of species extinction has accelerated to a thousand times faster than natural rates.
Today, as the environment grows increasingly hostile and global situations become more unstable, I can't help but feel that humanity is inching towards its own destruction.
Theoretically, the proliferation and development of humans do not align with the natural order. The human species, with its high intelligence and propensity for disruption, has nearly monopolized all habitable land, leaving other organisms with diminishing living spaces. This imbalance is unsustainable and bound to collapse eventually. Even if we embark on an interstellar era, the slightest mishap in space could spell doom.
As for what the next high-intelligence species on Earth would look like and how many millennia it would take for it to emerge, it's anyone's guess.
I'm curious - what are your thoughts on the potential extinction of humans? Are you filled with anticipation or dread?
In my opinion, the prospect of humanity's extinction is a sobering reminder of our responsibility to preserve the delicate balance of our planet. The high rate of species extinction signals an urgent need for us to rethink our actions and their impact on the environment. While the notion of humanity's end may seem distant and abstract, the threats we face - environmental degradation, climate change, and global instability - are immediate and very real. As stewards of the Earth, it's upon us to ensure our survival and that of the countless species we share our home with.