Scientists' warning to humanity for long-term planetary thinking on biodiversity and humankind preservation, a cosmic perspective

Abstract

We are all made of stars,? the song claims. Indeed, as Carl Sagan said, we are made of star stuff. But we often forget the message of unity ingrained in such reality. The typical narrow short-term perspective characterizing human planning, combined with self-interest, frequently leads to a tragedy of the commons where the very same resources essential for survival or prosperity are compromised or destroyed (Hardin 1968). Such selfish exploitation of common goods sits at the base of many current global problems, including the depletion of natural resources, accelerated climate change, and the loss of biodiversity. Fortunately, there is an increasing awareness of the importance of the natural environment, and an emerging paradigm shift is attempting to ameliorate the negative consequences of global problems for our children and subsequent generations. However, most if not all current plans are somehow shortsighted. For example, the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015 set their targets for the year 2030. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences of the Parties implicitly or explicitly set their purposes for one or a few generations. The question is whether short-term goals and vision will be enough?or even adequate?to ensure the preservation of most life forms, including humanity, into the distant future. Although short-term targets are essential to trigger the necessary immediate action, shouldn't biodiversity preservation thinking and planning occur on a much longer time frame? If so, what is the appropriate time frame?