Rethinking Humanity’s Relationship to the PlanetPatrick Blessinger, R. Kavena Shalyefu, and Gisele M. ArrudaLike all species on planet Earth, the story of humanity is the story of survival. However, unlike other species, the story of humanity is the story of overcoming the greatest of odds (perhaps a one hundred trillion to one outcome) to emerge as the dominant species on the planet. Since living organisms first evolved billions of years ago, it has taken a very long time for life to evolve from simple microorganisms to intelligent life (humans). Since humans are now the dominant species on Earth, they have also become the voice of the planet and, as such, have assumed an ethical responsibility to protect the planet.Given the vastness of the universe (trillions of light-years across) and the estimated 200 quintillion habitable planets in the known universe, it is likely that lifeforms exist elsewhere. However, there is still [...]