The circumstances that will shape the long-term future of our planet will be constrained by what is physically possible and what is not. This book providesa quantitative view of our civilization over the next 100,000 years, in comparison to the 40-60,000 years it took for modern humans to emerge from Africa, on the basis of contemporary scientific and technological knowledge. The evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere and the origin of water are highlighted as the most important factors for the emergence and the development of life. The authors consider both cosmic and natural hazards, pointing out that scientific information provided by satellites and communication systems on the ground could prevent many unnecessary casualties by forward planning and the installation of elementary precautions. The Earth's evoving climate is considered, showing how greenhouse gases have played an important role in the past climate, whereashuman industrial and agricultural emissions will greatly impact our future. Reviews the physical conditions for survival of life on Earth over the next 1000 centuries Analyses the interacting factors affecting the sustainability of Earth’s natural resources Stresses the need for active management of Earth's resources in the 21st century to ensure long-term survival Highlights the influence of observations from space on the technical, scientific and political tools for survivability INDICE: Introduction.- A brief history of Earth.- Cosmic menaces.- Naturalhazards.- The changing climate.- Climate futures.- The future of survivability: energy and inorganic resources.- The future of survivability: organic resources.- Leaving Earth: From dreams to reality.- Managing the Planet Future: Thecrucial role of space.- Managing the Planet Future: Setting up the structure.- Conclusions.
- ISBN: 978-0-387-74633-3
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 330
- Fecha Publicación: 01/07/2008
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés