It is a fallacy that people used to believe the world was flat, however it wasn't until we were able to view our planet from space that we collectively began to understand the limits of our planet. The environmental movement (as concern for the planet's well-being) arguably began as a result of these images reaching us via television.

The term "global" wasn't in common usage until the 20th Century. "Globalisation" was first used in an approximation of it's current meaning in US parliament around 1975. We live in a world where the environment and globalisation cause all sorts of activists to go out and wave placards and vandalise private property, yet few seem to understand or wish to engage with terms such as "albedo" or "supraterritoriality".

The point here is perspective, and understanding the significance of life on Earth. Very briefly: the Earth is exactly the right distance from the Sun, and both the Moon and Jupiter are exactly the right size and distance from the Earth for life to have evolved. Our gestation and childhood periods are incredibly long in comparison to other life we are aware of. All of this is required in order for us to have evolved to the stage where we can begin to understand our planet and the effect we have on it.

To assume that our knowledge is complete, and to believe we can predict our collective future is arrogant beyond belief.

We should not fear our future and we should not be spreading panic amongst our children at this most wonderous time in our history. We should instead be filled with wonder at our planet, our place in the universe, our achievements and the prospects for our future.

For me, these videos go some way to capturing this perspective:

Size of Planets and Stars.

How Stars are Born.

How Many Stars are There?