The extinction of the dinosaurs was caused by a cosmic event—an asteroid impact they could neither predict nor prevent. Unlike them, humans have the intelligence and tools to see threats coming. But do we have the systems in place to act on that knowledge in time?
Introducing the "Rate of Advancement" (RoA)
To understand our chances of long-term survival, we must look at a new metric:
Rate of Advancement (RoA): A theoretical measurement of how quickly a species develops the knowledge, tools, and unity necessary to survive astronomical threats such as asteroids, solar flares, or deep-space anomalies.
If our RoA is too slow, we risk extinction not because we weren’t smart enough, but because we weren’t fast enough.
Why Systematic Advancement Matters
Humans are currently facing multiple existential risks—many of which are astronomical in scale. Yet systemic disunity, budget cuts, and cultural distrust in science are slowing down our progress.
1. We Are Still Vulnerable
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NASA and other space agencies have started asteroid tracking programs, but detection isn’t enough without global infrastructure for response.
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Even solar storms, which can knock out entire power grids, are still vastly underestimated in policy-making.
2. Anti-Science Culture Is a Threat
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A growing segment of the population distrusts science and space exploration. This slows innovation and shrinks funding.
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Misinformation weakens collective action—vital in emergencies.
3. Space Programs Are Underfunded
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The money spent on global militaries far outweighs what we invest in space defense.
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We need a reallocation of priorities. The survival of humanity should come before nationalism or profit.
Learning from the Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for over 150 million years. But when a mass extinction event came, their reign ended almost overnight. The lesson?
Dominance doesn’t equal resilience.
We may be the dominant species now, but without readiness, we could share the same fate.
Building Global Unity Through Advancement
To avoid an astronomical extinction, humanity needs:
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Global science coalitions that pool data and resources.
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Permanent space monitoring systems, not temporary projects.
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International agreements on space governance, beyond national interests.
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Education and outreach to build public support for scientific advancement.
Conclusion
Humanity’s survival isn’t just about being smart—it's about being systematically prepared. The Rate of Advancement is our real survival clock, and right now, it's ticking slowly. We need to accelerate our progress, not just for future generations, but for the survival of our species.
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