Self-destruction of Human civilisation by most evolved human species

Human civilization during Greek history started settlement and agriculture during the Paleolithic era. Subsequently the Neolithic Age observed permanent settlements (primarily in northern Greece), domestication of animals, and the further development of agriculture. Since then human civilization has been destructing forests, burning grasslands and spreading urban settlements. There have been wars for capturing territories by evolving various civilizations (Greek, Chinese, Indian, Roman). World also started experiencing changes in human thinking, environmental quality and resource over exploitations. Severe drought exacerbated by soil erosion caused collapse of Central American city states and the end of the Classic Maya civilization. There are many examples where human civilization's ill thought prosperity has led to the destruction.

Humanity has probably started its own destruction again at the pinnacle of human growth by large-scale pollution and destruction of natural system. Fireworks for “fun” is one example wherein we Indian are bringing extreme pollution. Indian urban educated class finds it difficult to check this large-scale pollution as an annual affair in spite of knowing consequences and impending global warming. Many people still set off firecrackers and burn their money for the "fun". Air monitoring stations in all metros show that PM levels spiked overnight after Deepawali. This year too!! Amounts of the smallest and most risky particles, known as "fines," topped out at nearly 250 μg/m3 - a whopping 150 μg/m3 above normal. A short-lived spike in pollution may make breathing more difficult for the residents. Last year, data emerged showing that fireworks bring choking pollution to many people, here, during the festival of Diwali. Is it not irony that this annual religious celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil, knowledge over ignorance - and light over darkness; will be leading to permanent darkness for the present civilization?

Source: A three week-long daily plot showing concentrations of PM2.5 every hour in Delhi, India during 2018. Note the massive spike in the hours surrounding nightfall on Diwali. Click here for larger graph.

Graph: created in Matlab by Matthew Cappucci; Data: Berkeley Earth/University of Berkeley; adapted by L. Steenblik Hwang

Source of Photograph: People take photos as a fireworks extravaganza reaches its climax.

SERT/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS