Geologists, anthropologists, and biologists agree that the Earth is approximately 4.6 billion years old.

The Geologic TimelineWikimedia Commons

This number is colossal, almost incomprehensible! Although it is hard to believe, there is very strong scientific research to back it up. SPACE.COM explains:

"In the early 20th century, scientists refined the process of radiometric dating. Earlier research had shown that isotopes of some radioactive elements decay into other elements at rates that can be easily predicted. By examining the existing elements, scientists can calculate the initial quantity, and thus how long it took for the elements to decay, allowing them to determine the age of the rock....Research groups in Australia found the oldest mineral grains on Earth. These tiny zirconium silicate crystals have ages that reach 4.3 billion years."

Humans, or at least bipedal walkers (who are our evolutionary ancestors), can be dated back to at least 4.4 million years ago. Dating evidence enables scientists to discover and contextualize biological fossils, artifacts, and draw conclusions on geologic and cultural conditions of the past.

This means that humans have been on this Earth for less than 0.001 percent of its life.

Scary to think how much damage has been done to the Earth in such a short amount of time.

Friendly reminder to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! The Earth was here LONG before us, and it won't be here much longer if we don't care for preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation.

Time is ticking