A Natural History of the Future

A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us about the Destiny of the Human Species by Rob Dunn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like many others, this book is a gentle reminder that our species has a heavy impact on Earth’s environment. But, unlike some, it doesn’t forecast the end of the world. No matter how much we pollute, regardless of how many nukes we drop, we can’t stop nature. Sure, we can kill ourselves, and take several species with us. Not just those we kill off by encroaching on their habitats or accidentally poisoning them with pesticides, herbicides, or inadvertent side effects of various ill considered actions. A lot of species have evolved to depend on us. When we snuff it, there’s a good chance so will they. Dogs, cows, chickens, and the fleas, mites, and various other parasites that rely on us may also become extinct. But fear not. Life will go on, and evolution will continue. New species will emerge to fill empty niches. They won’t be descended from us, and they probably won’t be sapient (at least not anytime soon), but Earth will still have life. Even if things really get bad, bacteria will still be here, and given time, bacteria can’t evolve into all sorts of things. The sun may set on us, but it’s likely to still be shining for a few more billion years. The planet will continue to turn. There will be many more tomorrows. We may not be there, but life will go on. Now, doesn’t that make you feel better?



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