Seeing further: the story of science & the Royal Society — EPILOGUE

1. 1. The Sun formed 4.5 billion years ago and has 6 billion more years before it runs out of fuel, then will engulf the inner planets and vaporize Earth.
2. 2. Any creatures witnessing the Sun's demise in 6 billion years will be as different from humans as humans are from bacteria.
3. 3. The present century may be a defining moment in Earth's history because it is the first time one species has the planet's future in its hands.
4. 4. Hypothetical aliens watching Earth would see a sudden 'fever' in the last few thousand years, with rapid vegetation change, rising CO2, and radio emissions.
5. 5. The outcome of Earth's current crisis depends on wise choices by natural scientists, environmentalists, social scientists, and humanists, aided by 21st-century science.