Tribal to Global: Can Humankind Make the Transition in Time

Abstract

Earth is changing rapidly to a hostile, alien planet. Humankind is using natural resources over 30% faster than Earth can regenerate them, and 215,000 more individuals are added to the global population every day. Species are being driven to extinction at a rate unprecedented in human history, and, yet, no real sense of urgency has emerged. Plans are made to take remedial measures by 2025 or 2050 or some other future date, as if no climate, food, energy, or population crises exist. Still, the outdated mindset and inappropriate use of resources continue. Sequestered carbon in fossil fuel safely underground is brought to the surface and burned, increasing global greenhouse gas emissions. These activities are suicidal and are not the path to achieving a global system favorable to human occupancy for many generations.