Introduction: The Long-term Survival of Humanity from Global Warming to Supercontinent Formation

Considering the immense timeframe, can humans survive long enough to witness the Earth revert to a microbial-only habitat? Or will we remain isolated on our planet as supercontinents form and drastically alter the landscape?

Focus on Stopping Global Warming

The key to ensuring human survival lies in the mitigation of global warming. If we continue to degrade our ecosystem, we risk destroying the foundation of our civilization, making it impossible to colonize other planets. To prevent runaway global warming and protect the planet, we need to:

Protect our planet's ecosystem now. Develop civilization and technology in a manner that aligns with our planet's recovery capabilities. Develop sufficient technological capabilities to enable planetary colonization. Successively colonize other planets, creating a backup for humanity in case of extinction on Earth.

By focusing on these steps, we can ensure that humanity remains resilient and adaptable over the long term.

The Formation of the Next Supercontinent

The next supercontinent, Pangaea Proxima, is expected to form between 250 million and 500 million years from now. Such a formation will lead to significant changes in the climate, with only polar regions potentially becoming habitable. However, the transformations in a billion years might be even more drastic, leading to a microbial-dominated world. It is highly likely that human survival will face even greater challenges well before then, making it crucial to address the immediate threats posed by global warming.

The Urgency of Addressing Global Warming

According to experts, society will likely collapse between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius by 2050 to 2150. This collapse would halt CO2 emissions for a while and encourage reforestation. However, it will not be sufficient to reverse rising temperatures due to tipping points. After the collapse, temperatures will stabilize rather than decrease. If humanity were to rebuild and continue relying on fossil fuels, it would be a dangerous and unnecessary path.

The reversion to a microbial-dominated Earth might occur if we burn 70-100% of fossil fuels in the ground, potentially happening after 10,000 CE. This emphasizes the critical importance of ceasing fossil fuel use to protect our habitat.

The Resilience of Life on Earth

While the Earth has seen various life forms over its long history, very few have survived for more than 200 million years. The sponge, the oldest known species on Earth, is estimated to be around 600-700 million years old. Ocean-dwelling species, like those in the top ten oldest species on Earth, tend to have more stable and resilient environments.

Reflecting on historical extinctions, such as the dinosaurs wiped out by a meteor impact, and considering the current challenges we face with overpopulation, lack of resources, and self-inflicted ecological damage, it is clear that maintaining the delicate balance of life on Earth is a crucial task for humanity.

Conclusion: The Importance of Urgent Action

The survival and future of humanity is intricately tied to the health of our planet. The challenges of global warming, the formation of supercontinents, and the potential reversion to a microbial-dominated world demand immediate and sustained action. By focusing on protecting our ecosystem, developing sustainable technology, and preparing for future needs, we can ensure that humanity thrives for the long term.