Earth in Human HandsRecommendations

For the first time in Earth's history, a convergence of fast accelerating events is being triggered by a single species: humans. Climate change is only the most evident of the changes we've caused to the world unknowingly up to now. And our current actions jeopardies not just our own but also the futures of countless other animals. Astrobiologist David Grinspoon compares Earth's story to those of other worlds, demonstrating what a bizarre and original development it is for a species to evolve to construct technology, and eventually, global societies with world-shaping impact.

Grinspoon says that, while the difficulties of the coming century are daunting, the current moment is nevertheless full with opportunity, especially when considered from a 10,000-year perspective. Our species has survived extinction before, because to our natural inventiveness and adaptability, and there's reason to believe we may do so again.

Our duty now is to become aware of our position as a force for planetary change and to mature into it. We must evolve into elegant planetary engineers, cognizant shapers of our surroundings, and stewards of the ecosystem. This is a viewpoint that forces us to consider not just what future we want to avoid, but also what future we want to construct. What sort of world do we want to live in? Is humanity the worst or finest thing that has ever happened to our planet? Today, we stand at a crossroads, and the outcome will be determined by the decisions we make.