Introduction: Detectability of Future Earth. (arXiv:1902.08035v1 [physics.gen-ph])
<a href="http://arxiv.org/find/physics/1/au:+Haqq_Misra_J/0/1/0/all/0/1">Jacob Haqq-Misra</a>
Earth’s future detectability depends upon the trajectory of our civilization
over the coming centuries. Human civilization is also the only known example of
an energy-intensive civilization, so our history and future trajectories
provide the basis for thinking about how to find life elsewhere. This special
issue of Futures features contributions that consider the future evolution of
the Earth system from an astrobiological perspective, with the goal of
exploring the extent to which anthropogenic influence could be detectable
across interstellar distances. This collection emphasizes the connection
between the unfolding future of the Anthropocene with the search for
extraterrestrial civilizations. Our rate of energy consumption will
characterize the extent to which our energy-intensive society exerts direct
influence on climate, which in turn may limit the ultimate lifetime of our
civilization. If the answer to Fermi’s question is that we are alone, so that
our civilization represents the only form of intelligent life in the galaxy (or
even the universe), then our responsibility to survive is even greater. If we
do find evidence of another civilization on a distant exoplanet, then at least
we will know that our trajectory can be managed. But as long as our searches
turn up empty, we must stay vigilant to keep our future secure.
Earth’s future detectability depends upon the trajectory of our civilization
over the coming centuries. Human civilization is also the only known example of
an energy-intensive civilization, so our history and future trajectories
provide the basis for thinking about how to find life elsewhere. This special
issue of Futures features contributions that consider the future evolution of
the Earth system from an astrobiological perspective, with the goal of
exploring the extent to which anthropogenic influence could be detectable
across interstellar distances. This collection emphasizes the connection
between the unfolding future of the Anthropocene with the search for
extraterrestrial civilizations. Our rate of energy consumption will
characterize the extent to which our energy-intensive society exerts direct
influence on climate, which in turn may limit the ultimate lifetime of our
civilization. If the answer to Fermi’s question is that we are alone, so that
our civilization represents the only form of intelligent life in the galaxy (or
even the universe), then our responsibility to survive is even greater. If we
do find evidence of another civilization on a distant exoplanet, then at least
we will know that our trajectory can be managed. But as long as our searches
turn up empty, we must stay vigilant to keep our future secure.
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