Earth Science. Earth Science Being the Study Essay

earth science. Earth Science being the study of the Earth is concerned with changes of the surface and interior of the Earth, and the forces that cause these changes (Reed, 2008). Furthermore, Earth Science examines the interaction between Earth's weather and climate, the changes of organisms through time as interpreted by organic evolution. This article outlines factors that could make humanity extinct; natural disasters, human-triggered cataclysms, willful self-destruction, and greater forces directed against us. This article's theme is important as it addresses factors that when critically looked at have effects on the Earth's structure. Understanding the future is important as it helps individuals to take measures before any damage is realized.

Aims of the Article

This article's main objective is to ascertain whether human beings face the imminent danger of extinction from the universe. The article fulfills this objective by outlining factors that could see an end to humanity in the world. The article analyses natural disasters, human-triggered cataclysms, willful self-destruction, and greater forces directed against humans that could impede these theories.

Explanation of Quotation

Powell states that, "At present, we may worry about snail darters and red squirrels in abstract terms. But the next statistic on the list could be us." These words seem unreal to most humans but after analyzing the reasons given in the article, they are concluded to be concrete facts. The writer concludes that snail darters and red squirrels have become extinct due to natural as well as human activities; we humans are also headed this way. The article proposes twenty reasons why this could happen starting by natural forces such as asteroid explosions, collapse of the vacuum, and gamma ray outbursts among other factors (Powell, 2000).

Scientific Community Understanding of the Topic

Following the publication of this article, the scientific community's knowledge and understanding of the topic has changed over time. Martin Rees, in his book, Our Final Century ascertains that survival of human civilization beyond 2100 is less by 50%, due to stress-free access to technologies that could have global impacts, such as biological terrorism and molecular nanotechnology (Jha, 2011). In addition, scientists are becoming aware that cosmic threats to human existence have always been present yet, it has been unnoticed; the collision the Milky Way with Andromeda is possible as well as the onset of a black hole (Oldroyd, 2006). Besides, the scientists are aware they have no solution to these imminent threats, the best they can do is look for measures to reduce the impacts of the threats which is also impossible.

Use of the Article by Teachers

Science teachers can use the article to engage their students in learning about earth science. It is necessary for teachers to make students understand the lurking danger which continues to rise with time. The best example teachers can use to explain the danger is computer systems. The world is interconnected and computerized; a factor that has led to easier access to knowledge, education and better communications. However, the computer systems are also able of spreading both human and computer viruses ever faster. A single computer can compromise power systems, steal or delete financial data and wreck supply chains, all of which are crucial for the modern world to function.

Study of one Problem at a time by Scientists

Scientists…