Wake-up Call: 2035

by Robert J. Traydon

  “We have come to terms with the fact that we may never be able to bring extinct complex species back into existence.”

  Pictures filled the spaces between the graphs showing the myriad of species that had become extinct during just the last two millennia. The species ranged from microscopic bacteria to the largest mammals. Together, they stood testament to a tragedy of inexcusable proportion.

  Yusoara commented, “As far as we are concerned, the only way to deal with extinction … is to prevent it from happening.”

  Her statement that extinct species could not be resurrected by artificial means had struck a deep chord with the Principals. Human society seemed to regard extinctions as an unfortunate side-effect of their growth and development objectives. It was something that people thought could be left for a later, more convenient stage, when the technology was available to bring these extinct species back to life.

  This was the precise reason why privately funded wildlife foundations had begun storing DNA samples from all threatened and endangered species in underground cryogenic freezing facilities. But all this effort had obviously been in vain because, if this advanced extra-terrestrial race could not bring extinct species back to life, what faint hope would a relatively primitive species like humankind have of doing it. Payton wondered why so many humans were so quick to destroy things that they could not recreate.

  Yusoara continued with her salvo of enlightenment, “You should be informed that the human species has single-handedly been responsible for more extinctions in the galaxy than the combined historical extinctions across all the inhabited planets in the last 125 000 years. This constitutes the single greatest atrocity ever committed in the recorded history of the galaxy.”

  This accusation made the Principals cringe. For the first time throughout the meeting, none of them felt like saying anything. Nothing could excuse them from the information that was being shown to them. It was beyond logical thought that humankind had let this despicable situation get so far out of hand. They could try and argue that it was just a knock-on effect of humanity’s primal survival instinct, but they all knew deep down that it was nothing more than humanity’s deranged pursuit of limitless expansion, self-gratification, wealth and prosperity.

  10:00 a.m. Observatory: Earth’s Land – Conversion Extent

  Yusoara then moved onto the ‘land’ category of graphs. A summary graph titled ‘Land conversion extent’ was enlarged showing ‘Converted surface area’ on the vertical axis and ‘Time’ on the horizontal axis. The curve was, again, unquestionably linked to the human proliferation curve.

  She spoke, “It is important for me to clarify that the current extent of converted land relates closely to the amount of land human beings have appropriated from the natural environment, for their sole use. The figures used to generate these graphs are obtained directly from the time sequence visual that was shown earlier.”

  The TSV was drawn into the foreground with a colour key indicating land conversion extent: green – negligible; yellow – medium; orange – serious; and red – extreme. In 48 107 BCE all land was shaded in green. This was followed by noticeable changes in colour especially in the Polar Regions as the TSV transitioned the ice age period, but thereafter green returned almost everywhere.

  As the TSV passed 3000 BCE, yellow began to spread slowly in certain areas. As it approached the final 250 year period, the range of yellow and orange started to increase steadily. From there, the colour shifts accelerated sharply towards orange and red, and by 2035 CE, almost no green shading was left across any of the world’s continents. It had been replaced by vast swathes of yellow, orange and red. The orange and red areas mirrored the distribution of urban centres, agricultural lands, pastures, mines, clear felled forest, slash and burn areas, as well as human-induced icepack retraction and desertification.

  Yusoara went on to explain, “This is land that was originally shared by all of the Earth’s living creatures, both fauna and flora. You will notice that over 90% of the total arable land surface has been appropriated from nature and is now being used to support the needs of your human population, leaving less than a meagre 10% remaining for the balance of your cohabitating species. This untouched natural area is the sum total of the last protected sanctuaries where land-based wildlife is still free to roam. Almost 97% of the world’s remaining megafauna, excluding domesticated species, resides within the enclosed confines of these sanctuaries, with the other 3% residing in non-arable, generally inaccessible areas.”

  Payton was aware that many of these sanctuaries were governed by conservation organisations, but also knew that this served as no guarantee of protection against future appropriation by governments. There were many examples across the planet proving otherwise. Protected sanctuaries were all too often regarded as development opportunities and the wildlife that resided thereon, as dispensable. Unremitting human expansion and exploitation had become a governing human entitlement.

  Yusoara brought their attention to the overall land appropriation counter. It was ticking steadily upwards at almost 60 square kilometres every second. The rates were also shown for each continent.

  Empress Aeryssia commented, “You are losing forest cover equivalent to the size of your nation named England, every year. Accumulated forest cover loss during the last two millennia is equivalent to the size of the United States of America. All your worldwide roads combined cover an area the size of Spain; if you were to include railway lines, then add the entire United Kingdom’s area to that. Your golf courses alone cover an area the size of Switzerland and there is now enough agricultural land to cover two North American continents.”

  The Principals shook their heads in disbelief. The statistics were difficult to contemplate especially considering the fact that they were actual, rather than approximate.

  Yusoara commented, “This planet is no longer an Animal Kingdom, it is now a Human Kingdom … which is crumbling beneath your feet. The optimum balance should be the reverse of the current situation, with just 10% of arable land being dedicated to human beings, and the other 90% being dedicated to nature.”

  She continued, “Interestingly, you refer to non-indigenous plant and animal species as ‘alien invasive species’, and yet you do not classify the most dangerous species of all as one. Humankind is without any doubt this planet’s most destructive alien invasive species, and yet you are conveniently exempt from this fitting label.”

  It was a hard hitting comment for the Principals to consider, especially knowing full well how humans dealt with alien invasive species back on Earth.

  The next graph showed general resource consumption including both renewable and non-renewable resources. Yusoara highlighted the rampant use of non-renewable resources as a serious concern. She pointed specifically to the consumption graphs for coal, oil and natural gas, and stated that their depletion should be of far less concern when compared to the destruction that the use of these resources was causing.

  She lifted her hands in vain as she noted, “You will have destroyed your planet long before these resources are depleted.”

  Particularly fascinating was the resource appropriation graph which showed the percentage of each natural resource that had been commandeered by the human species. It showed that over 75% of the world’s fresh water was now dedicated to human use and that, even though much of it was shared by other species, their share had either been greatly diminished, altered or heavily polluted.

  Yusoara commented, “Not only have you appropriated most of the world’s land, you have also appropriated most of its resources as well. We fear that it will only end when there is nothing left for nature.”

  The Principals were apprehensive about what was still to come. Edward Payton on the other hand, was enthralled by the information that was being presented to them and especially pleased to see that his personal research was tying up closely to what was being shown. He felt a wave of vindication pass over him because he was in total agreement with everything t
hey had been shown. Finally, a higher authority existed that was in possession of irrefutable proof and was not afraid to tell the world’s leaders the whole, uncensored environmental truth … a truth that could no longer be ignored.

  9:40 a.m. Earth: White House

  General Ronald Flanker arrived at the White House minutes before his garrison of National Guard soldiers. Agent Walker briefed him on the search operation and advised him how best his National Guard soldiers could assist in the manhunt. Once the soldiers had joined the search, Flanker questioned Walker about the details surrounding the President’s disappearance. However, the more questions he asked, the more unbelievable the whole situation sounded. The circumstances were as frustrating as they were puzzling. General Flanker hoped that the National Guard would be able to clean up the Secret Service’s mess.

  All the while Walker’s thoughts were churning. The three inexplicable disappearances had to be linked. He checked his watch; it was time for him to call Vice President McKenzie with a progress update, so he excused himself and ordered a fellow agent to escort Flanker to the Security Office. He then pulled out his mobile phone and hit the speed dial – the call was answered on the first ring.

  “What have you got for me, Agent Walker?” asked McKenzie.

  “Nothing yet, Mr Vice President. But the National Guard has arrived and has joined the search.”

  “I’m glad to hear it, Agent Walker. How’s my transport looking?”

  “Mr Vice President, the helicopter was dispatched 10 minutes ago and is on its way to you right now. It should be there within the next quarter-hour. Your estimated time of arrival at the White House is approximately 10:30 a.m.”

  “Thank you, Agent Walker,” said McKenzie.

  Walker hesitated slightly, then spoke, “Mr Vice President, one other thing. Are you aware of the breaking news on CNN regarding the strange disappearance of Serena Harpon?”

  “No, I’ve been busy on the phone speaking with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff … go on though,” said McKenzie.

  Agent Walker continued, “She apparently disappeared from her office at around the same time as President Jameson. An employee alleges that Ms Harpon literally vanished, right from in front of her, while they were having a conversation. Now I know this sounds ridiculous, but is it possible that these three events are somehow linked? Our President, the President of China, and also Serena Harpon; all three disappearing without any trace at around nine o’clock, and now potentially missing. For all we know, they could have been simultaneously abducted by some unknown means?”

  “They could be linked, yes. But the notion of simultaneous abduction is absurd,” said McKenzie.

  Walker continued, “My suspicion, Mr Vice President, is that there is something larger at play here. These people all share one common attribute: power. Is it possible that someone is targeting the world’s most powerful people?”

  McKenzie replied, “You might be onto something there Agent Walker, but I needn’t remind you that teleportation doesn’t exist, so there must be a more logical explanation behind all of this. For your information, I have requested that the Joint Chiefs of Staff convene at the White House within the next hour. Please have them escorted to the Situation Room in the bunker. I will join them there immediately upon my arrival.”

  He continued, “You just keep searching that side – we have to assume that the President is still within the White House premises and that we’ll find her. We’re relying on you and your team to put things right there, Agent Walker.”

  “Understood, Mr Vice President,” said Walker before the call was ended.

  Vice President McKenzie scratched his chin while considering the nonsensical coincidence of events. His mind was in deep thought, racing through possible explanations for how these things could have happened and whether they could be linked. Nothing seemed logical or even possible. People didn’t just disappear, especially powerful people like presidents, who are constantly monitored and surrounded by protection details.

  Serena Harpon’s disappearance was especially strange since she wasn’t a person of political significance. But then again, she was a powerful celebrity who exerted significant influence over huge swathes of the world’s population. Her popularity had surged during the last two decades as a result of her highly successful television talk show. She commanded an audience like no other celebrity across the world, and at the same time she was a unique phenomenon, because her opinions were truly listened to and respected worldwide – in sharp contrast to the opinions of politicians.

  The only positive from all this was that McKenzie now had a valid excuse not to attend the rest of the insufferable environmental forum. While waiting for his transport to arrive he stared at his phone, hoping to receive a call that would end this nightmare.

  It was 10:00 a.m. when the presidential helicopter drifted into view and landed on the lawn outside the conference venue. The Vice President, together with his body guards, climbed on board and seconds later the helicopter roared back into the air.

  10:05 a.m. Observatory: Earth’s Ocean – Disturbance Extent

  Yusoara called up the summary graph titled ‘Ocean disturbance extent’. It enlarged in the centre of the table and showed ‘Disturbance area’ on the vertical axis and ‘Time’ on the horizontal axis. Its curve was also indisputably linked to the human population growth curve.

  She spoke, “Ocean disturbance refers to areas in your oceans where the balance of life has been negatively affected by human activity. This has predominantly been caused by warming ocean temperatures, coastal effluent and pollution, dredging, offshore mining, the use of submersible sonic cannons, irradiated waters from leaking nuclear reactors and nuclear tests, the use of bottom scraper nets as well as medium and long range drift nets.”

  The TSV reappeared with the same colour key, this time for ocean disturbance extent. As the TSV played, the entire ocean remained shaded in green up until 2 000 years ago. From there the other colours began to appear. By 2035 CE, the oceans were mostly shaded in yellow, with broad bands of orange and red tracing almost every coastline around continents and islands, and also circling high intensity offshore oil operations. Yusoara pointed out the specific areas where warmer seas, pollution and overexploitation had caused the most significant disturbances.

  She reiterated, “Your oceans are vitally important to the wellbeing of this planet and I must remind you that Phytoplankton alone is responsible for over 60% of Earth’s oxygen production. These organisms are the keystone of the ocean’s food chain which supports all marine species. Tragically, Phytoplankton biomass has been reduced by 50% in the last century and any further loss will lead to a rapid collapse of all marine life, as well as the terrestrial life that depends on this marine life. There is also the disastrous knock-on effect of dramatically reduced oxygen production.”

  Yusoara spoke at length and the Principals listened on. The fragile intricacies of the ocean-atmosphere relationship were still relatively unknown to humankind and the information was very disturbing.

  10:15 a.m. Observatory: Earth’s Atmosphere – Alteration Extent

  Yusoara enlarged a new graph titled, ‘Atmospheric alteration extent’. As expected, the curve again mirrored the human proliferation curve.

  She spoke, “This graph demonstrates the extent of atmospheric alteration caused by human activity. It was our initial thought that the planet’s atmosphere was being purposefully altered by some intelligent, non-native species in an attempt to terraform and colonise your planet for themselves. We gave little consideration to the prospect of an intelligent, native species knowingly tampering with their planet’s most important life-sustaining asset … hence our surprise when this was confirmed.”

  She pointed to the graphs showing the levels of key atmospheric pollutants including carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, as well as atmospheric particulate matter. They had all remained relatively constant throughout the 50 000-year period, with only a few volcanic
induced fluctuations – but over the last 2 000-year period their levels rose steadily, followed by an exponential spike in the final 250 years. This mirrored the industrial revolution that took place around the world.

  Yusoara commented, “It is unfathomable that you continue to increase your carbon dioxide production, while at the same time, degrade your planet’s ability to convert this carbon dioxide back into carbon and oxygen.”

  The TSV was then played to show the progression of atmospheric alteration. The advancement of colours was markedly similar to the TSVs for land and ocean. Wherever human activity existed, orange and red shading reflected high levels of atmospheric contamination. The non-populated areas and oceans varied between yellow and orange. Distinctly absent was the colour green. Yusoara noted that the entire atmosphere was suffering from varying degrees of composition alteration including the Polar Regions, which showed rapidly accelerating change over the last half century.

  She spoke, “We cannot fathom why your species has not taken radical steps to address this issue. Even though you are fully aware of the problem and are in possession of suitable solutions and technologies, you are decidedly slow in their implementation. You must realise that your atmosphere is a fragile film that protects the Earth’s surface from the inhospitable depths of space.”

  She then brought a global temperature graph into the foreground. It showed that the planet had experienced various warming and cooling cycles in its past, many of which had lasted thousands of years. She explained that the cause of these fluctuations was multifaceted but that during each warming and cooling cycle, naturally occurring weather adjustments had normalised the temperature variations. This kept the planet’s delicately balanced environment within the limits of its equilibrium zone, which in turn, preserved its habitable state.