The argument has been made that, even if another intelligence arises in 100 million years, there are multiple problems for them: the Sun will be burning hotter by then, easily accessible raw material will all have been used up (Cyprus is no longer covered in surface-level raw copper, for example), we’ll probably irradiate the surface on our way out, etc.
In landfill, but not as raw material. If you didn’t already know how to make bronze, for example, you’d have a hell of a time making new bronze based on old contaminated remnants.
The argument has been made that, even if another intelligence arises in 100 million years, there are multiple problems for them: the Sun will be burning hotter by then, easily accessible raw material will all have been used up (Cyprus is no longer covered in surface-level raw copper, for example), we’ll probably irradiate the surface on our way out, etc.
doesn’t that just mean that these end up in landfills, i.e. close to the surface?
In landfill, but not as raw material. If you didn’t already know how to make bronze, for example, you’d have a hell of a time making new bronze based on old contaminated remnants.
That might mean they figure out their societal problems before they try to industrialize