Human civilization, as we rapidly advance technologically, is unwittingly leaving behind a unique geological legacy that future generations of paleontologists might analyze. This perspective is vividly explored in the book “Discarded: How Technofossils Will Be Our Ultimate Legacy,” authored by paleontologists Sarah Gabbott and Jan Zalasiewicz, who are affiliated with the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom. Their work illuminates the fascinating concept that, while traditional fossils consist mainly of biological remnants—bones, shells, and organic materials—human-made artifacts will increasingly dominate the fossil record millions of years down the line.
The term “technofossils” encapsulates a range of manufactured objects that are predicted to dominate the formative layers of sediment in the earth. Among the most commonly expected items left behind will be plastics: these include everything from plastic bags and bottles to synthetic fibers used in clothing. According to the authors, the proliferation of these materials, coupled with their resistance to decomposition, positions them as likely candidates for future fossilization. For instance, the plastic water bottles ubiquitous today may become prevalent markers in geological and paleontological studies.
The preservation mechanics also deserve special mention, especially when one considers disposal practices across urban landscapes. Landfills, often saturated with discarded materials that are resistant to natural decay, provide optimal conditions for fossilization. As Gabbott explains in her research, many of the durable manufactured objects we create are not only designed for longevity but also resist weathering and biodegradation. Unlike organic materials that are easily broken down by the natural processes of insects and microbes, items like plastic and metal can remain intact for millennia. The artificial structures of our cities, especially those sinking beneath rising sea levels, may also reveal much about contemporary life, as their substructures are forced into sedimentary layers conducive to fossil preservation.
In interviews, the authors delve further into these themes, providing insights on how future paleontologists might interpret various technofossils. For example, they suggest that it may be much harder for future civilizations to understand smartphones than to recognize simpler objects like utensils or common tools. The layers of technology encapsulated in devices like smartphones present a challenge, as only the physical forms may remain, obscuring their purpose and utility.
Additionally, Gabbott warns that a significant aspect of our legacy resides in the systematic loss of biodiversity observed in recent years. The representatives of our time—mass species extinctions and a predominance of domestic over wild animals—will stand out starkly in the future fossil record. Such findings will tell future civilizations not just about our technological advancements, but also about the ecological markers that indicate an unstable biosphere.
The book also raises the question of the impact recycling will have on the legacy left behind. As society becomes increasingly aware of waste management, the process of recycling may complicate the identification of technofossils. However, challenges persist. Many modern materials, particularly plastics, can only be recycled once before they tumble into the waste cycle, ensuring that they will continue to feature prominently in the fossil record.
Importantly, production conditions offer additional opportunities for exceptional preservation. Zalasiewicz points out that some materials, particularly those in anaerobic or hypoxic conditions, have the potential to be preserved far better than organic remains. For example, substances like epoxy resins could maintain forms and structures, akin to amber trapping ancient biological material, suggesting that certain technofossils could reveal startling insights about life in the anthropogenic era.
As we move forward, the legacy of our creations, alongside our environmental impacts, will shape the future narrative of our civilization—a narrative that future paleontologists will strive to unravel as they endeavor to make sense of the technofossils left behind. These insights evoke questions about our understanding of humanity’s relationship with nature and the irreversible transformations brought about by human industriousness. While human existence will eventually fade, the hardworking, resilient artifacts we create will persist, speaking volumes to those who will one day discover them buried within layers of time.