Will the world REALLY come to an end?
Scientifically speaking, YES!
The ‘world' is a name for the human component and activities on planet earth. Science argues that this present world might come to an end someday… however, the universe (or multiverse) will still be here till infinity.
Why?
There have been 6 major “end of the world” episodes in earth’s history. During those periods, there were mass extinction of animals and plants.
The gravest was the Permian-Triassic extinction (about 250 million years ago). It wiped out 95% of all living species on Earth.
The most recent massive extinction happened 66 million years ago. It wiped out 2/3 of plants and animals on earth including the DINOSAURS. In each episode, earth gradually rejuvenate and usher in new individuals.
As of this point in earth history, over 99% of all life forms that ever lived on earth are extinct. Whatever we are seeing now are the critical 1%. It’s logical that whatever cleared 99% can decide to make it 100%.
Most extinction episodes were caused by meteorite impacts, C02, climate change and sea-level fluctuations, and volcanic emissions.
Human beings have inhabited earth for just a little over 200,000 years; which is, in geological timescale, similar to the blink of an eye.
Humans claim to be the most intelligent animal, so we began to find ways to survive extinctions.
So many theories have emerged and many religions built their foundations on the extinction event (the so-called “end of the world” doctrine).
Some believe they would be harvested and taken into heaven by spiritual beings when the catastrophe comes. They believe they will live there forever, away from the extinction.
That’s a clever idea marketed by most religions. Unfortunately, we cannot prove nor disprove that. Of course, you cannot prove nor disprove what is based on speculations.
However, there’s a high probability that this world will come to an end. We are facing diverse challenges from natural and anthropogenic sources.
Climate change has the capacity to wipe all of us away. Political tussles can activate nucl3ar weap0ns to send us all out.
But should we bother? YES and NO.
Yes, because we can lower our impacts on climate change.
No, because we are not really important to the universe.
We are negligible tenants on this planet. And just like the dinosaurs before us, we will eventually fade away, giving room for other species to evolve and claim the ecological niche we left behind.
The universe is completely indifferent to our existence. It will take action when necessary, and will do as it pleases.
Well, I am NOT interested in going to heaven, if I happen to be around when the extinction happens. Till then, I am not worried.
#endoftheworld