And In The End...
We Will Be Gone. Or Will We?
One day in the far distant future, this planet called Earth that we all live on will become totally uninhabitable. It has been estimated that the Earth has a life expectancy of about eight billion plus years, and already we are halfway through it. This means that the planet has about four and a half billion years to go before it explodes into nothing more than space dust. However, don't think for one moment that we humans will go all the way to the wire. Our time here will have been extinguished long before we get anywhere near the wire.
And so it seems the race is on to find another habitable planet before our landlord kicks us off the Earth. At this point in time, the closest habitable planet is Alpha Centauri, which is 4.2 light years away. To put that into context, using the most advanced technology we have up to today, it would take us 6,300 years to get our interstellar removal truck, with all of our worldly goods aboard, to our new cosmic abode. For now, it's not looking do-able. So, either we find somewhere closer, or we get a faster space truck.
Of course, we all like the idea that we as a race of human beings will find a way to go on forever and ever. Who wouldn't like to imagine managing to avoid the cosmic swing of the scythe of the Universal Grim Reaper? Imagine going to see a performance of Shakespeare on Mars! Imagine going to see The Beatles in concert on the rooftop of a space module on Jupiter! Imagine living long enough to finally find out once and for all who really killed JFK! Imagine going to see an intergalactic face-off between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox on Neptune! The possibilities are truly endless if we just use our imagination.
The only other thing we can do is accept our fate for what it is and just try to do our best to improve and prolong our stay here on Earth. We have no way of knowing if we can forever planet-hop one step ahead of the Universal Grim Reaper anyway. For sure one day we will run out of road. Wile E Coyote will get The Road Runner, even if it is a trillion years from now in some other far-flung galaxy.
The other thing to consider is the undeniable fact that all intelligent races and civilisations ultimately self-destruct. They are by nature a species of over-reachers, and that is how they got ahead in the first place. However, it's always that last wafer-thin mint that killed the fat man, that delicate straw that broke the proverbial camel's back, that one bottle of sherry for the ladies, in a flatbed pick-up truck loaded to the gunnels with Bud Light for the men, that brings everything crashing down, beyond repair.
In the end, once it is all gone, it will all be gone forever. There will be nothing left except a massive cloud of speckled dust. There will be nobody to give a hootenanny shit about who killed JFK. Shakespeare was never from the planet Earth anyways, and the Beatles' tunes will sonically traverse the galaxy on frequencies we do not yet know of.
So, where does this leave us? Up shit creek without a paddle? Fine, so let's disembark from that old canoe and tidy this place up a little, see if we can make what life there is left as comfy as possible for the foreseeable future, or at least what there is left of it.
About the Creator
Liam Ireland
I Am...whatever you make of me.
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Destination Unknown
In 1954, Agatha Christy, of whom I am still to this day a fan, published her novel 'Destination Unknown'. And, since 1954 was also the year of my birth, and the title of Christy's novel is an apt description of the journey that my life has so far taken, it seems appropriate to adopt that title to describe my time on this planet. Indeed, given the mystery of what happens after death, 'destination unknown' may well even serve as a suitable epitath for my tombstone, as and when my departure arrives.
By Liam Ireland3 years ago in Earth
Greenland: New Shipping Routes, Hidden Minerals – and a Frontline Between the US and Russia?
Once seen as a remote and largely isolated Arctic territory, Greenland is rapidly emerging as a focal point of global geopolitics. Climate change, melting ice, and technological advances are transforming the island into a strategic hub defined by new shipping routes, vast mineral resources, and growing rivalry between major powers, particularly the United States and Russia. As the Arctic opens up, Greenland’s geographic position and untapped potential are pushing it to the center of international attention, raising questions about security, sovereignty, and sustainable development. Melting Ice and the Opening of New Shipping Routes One of the most visible impacts of climate change in the Arctic is the reduction of sea ice, which is making previously inaccessible waters navigable for longer periods each year. New Arctic shipping routes, including passages near Greenland, promise shorter travel times between Europe, Asia, and North America. Compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal, Arctic pathways can reduce shipping distances by thousands of kilometers, cutting fuel costs and emissions. For global trade, this could be transformative. Greenland’s coastal waters are increasingly important as potential transit corridors and support hubs for these routes. However, the expansion of Arctic shipping also raises concerns about environmental risks, maritime safety, and the lack of robust emergency infrastructure in the region. Hidden Mineral Wealth Beneath the Ice Beyond shipping, Greenland holds significant reserves of critical minerals, many of which are essential for modern technologies and the global energy transition. These include rare earth elements, lithium, graphite, uranium, and other strategic resources used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, batteries, and defense systems. As demand for these materials grows, Greenland is being viewed as a potential alternative to existing supply chains dominated by a small number of countries. This has increased interest from Western governments seeking to diversify mineral sourcing and reduce strategic dependencies. However, mining in Greenland is controversial. Local communities and policymakers must balance economic opportunities with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Greenland’s harsh climate and fragile ecosystems make resource extraction both technically challenging and politically sensitive. The United States’ Strategic Interest in Greenland The United States has long considered Greenland strategically vital, largely due to its location between North America and Europe. The US already maintains a military presence at Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base), which plays a key role in missile warning systems and space surveillance. In recent years, Washington has renewed its focus on Greenland, emphasizing Arctic security, infrastructure investment, and cooperation with Denmark, which oversees Greenland’s foreign and defense policy. US interest is driven by several factors: protecting transatlantic security routes, countering rival powers in the Arctic, and ensuring access to critical minerals. Greenland is increasingly viewed as a frontline in maintaining Western influence in the High North. Russia’s Arctic Ambitions Russia, meanwhile, sees the Arctic as central to its economic and military strategy. It has invested heavily in Arctic military bases, icebreaker fleets, and energy projects, particularly along its northern coastline. Although Greenland is geographically distant from Russia’s main Arctic territories, Moscow closely monitors developments there. The island’s proximity to key Arctic sea lanes and North Atlantic routes makes it strategically relevant in any broader confrontation between Russia and NATO. As tensions between Russia and the West remain high, Greenland’s location places it near the intersection of competing security interests, increasing its geopolitical significance. Greenland Between Global Powers The growing attention from major powers puts Greenland in a delicate position. While the island seeks greater economic independence and development, it must navigate complex relationships with Denmark, the United States, and other international actors. Greenland’s government has emphasized the importance of maintaining control over its resources and ensuring that development benefits local populations. At the same time, geopolitical competition risks turning Greenland into a strategic chessboard rather than a partner in decision-making. This balancing act is becoming more difficult as Arctic competition intensifies. Environmental and Social Challenges Greenland is on the front lines of climate change. Melting ice sheets contribute to global sea-level rise, while local communities face changes to traditional livelihoods such as fishing and hunting. The expansion of shipping and mining could bring jobs and infrastructure, but it also threatens fragile ecosystems and raises concerns about pollution, habitat disruption, and long-term sustainability. Any future development in Greenland will require careful regulation, international cooperation, and meaningful engagement
By Aarif Lashari3 days ago in Earth
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