Abstract
Displacement has a profound influence on both humans and other species across different periods of time. So, the author adopts a historical perspective to underscore the significance of considering the long-term consequences of our actions on future generations and the environment. The exploration extends beyond contemporary history and encompasses various epochs, commencing with the displacement triggered by the extinction of dinosaurs. It delves into the era of nomadic bowmen, the ancient Silk Road era, the era of transoceanic voyages, the era of new energies, and the era of data and computing. Each period brought about substantial transformations and alterations in power dynamics, emphasising the role of resource access, energy, and technology. Additionally, the author scrutinises the ascent and decline of empires, the impact of global debt, and the escalating significance of data in the modern world. By comprehending these historical patterns, we can gain valuable insights into the present global landscape and the forthcoming challenges we confront.
TopNomadic Bowmen Era
The first creatures to invest an extraneous effort looking for a real life change in a non-instinctive way were some australopithecines and, foremost, the Homo Ergaster about 2 million years ago (Tattersall, 2007; Wood, 2011). In comparison, the first out of Africa Homo Sapiens adventures happened 180.000 years ago and the first mass migration dates 60.000 years back. The first migrations out of our African cradle were a blunder since the Neanderthal did a short work of us, or at least kept us at bay for more than 100.000 years, in present-day Israel (Groeneveld, 2017; Wolpoff & Lee, 2001). But we started to offer grave goods along with intentional burial just after meeting Neanderthals (Hublin, 2015; Pettitt, 2002; Phillips, 2011). That the oldest traces of our so bragged human dignity were, partly or totally, copied from non homo sapiens is a sobering lesson.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Slavery: Economic system where individuals are treated as property at the master’s bidding without consent or fair treatment.
Computing Era: Historical period started in the mid-20th century featuring computing advancements that transformed industries and ushered in the Information Age.
Data: Information in a structured or unstructured format consisting of individual facts or statistics that can be moved, processed, and analysed.
Silk Road: Ancient trade routes connecting China to the Mediterranean, enabling the exchange of goods, ideas, and microbes.
Natural World: The Earth's ecosystems, biodiversity, and environments, comprising all living organisms and their interactions as untouched by humans.
Early Globalisation: The period of oceanic navigation, expanded trade and new cultural and biological exchanges, between distant civilizations, occurring roughly between 1300 and 1800.
History: The study of past events, people, societies, and civilizations through a systematic record of significant occurrences.