Scientists believe that we are in a transition from type 0 civilization to a type 1 civilization, i.e. we are changing from our dependence on planetary products like wood and oil to using energy from the sun, wind and water which last longer. We will be able to play with the weather and save ourselves from disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes. It is believed that if we get through this transition, our race will be more stable than it was ever before. First of all, our planet is becoming flat (not literally). This concept was first introduced by Thomas L. Friedman in his famous book “The world is flat”.

Robots are now replacing laborers. They have been modified to do more and more complex tasks. Humans can fit themselves into robots and do difficult works like lifting a heavy weight or running at high speed. Superpowers shown in fictional movies are turning into reality. Yes, scientists have already started making plans to make Mars habitable. Earth won’t be our only home. They will have mastered the energy of the solar system and reach other stars and galaxies.

Scientists also believe that shifting from type 0 to type 1 civilization is a very dangerous phase and it may cause extinction of our species. The earth is warming at an alarming rate. Polar caps are melting, sea level is rising, global temperature is rising, plants are dying, water resources are drying, methane gas is diffusing from Siberian ice, droughts are increasing, species are going extinct and billions of people are heading towards starvation.

People on one side of the world are dying due to obesity where as on the other hand they are dying due to starvation. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. Pollution is increasing at a rate faster than ever before. Deadly diseases are spreading almost every year. Fuel in our planet is drying up and unless we shift to alternatives, we are bound to face a major fuel crisis.

According to Stephen Hawking, if aliens do find us the situation will be similar to that when Columbus discovered America which didn’t turn out so well for the Native Americans. In fact, scientists have already discovered some planets in the habitable zone. We have to take immediate action. Gone are the days of sitting and praying. We have to be more scientific and help create a better future for our kids and this planet.