The planet has a limited span of human-survivability for sure, and I don't have expectations of human settlement on other planets. It's hard enough getting by on this Eden without screwing it up. Working out how to terraform some rock millions of miles away seems pointless if we foul this one.
So yeah, how many future generations should we try to help? One seems a bit self-centred (though philosophically acceptable).
Some of my trees won't be appreciated much for a generation or two. Some won't be at their best for 1000 years. But I'm not thinking really of future generations (just as they won't look at a 1000 year old tree, and if they feel any gratitude to a planter of such a thing, and will target that gratitude with any accuracy!). It's more a matter of what I enjoy doing. I'm liking planting these trees, my own little bit of terra-adjusting, feeling as if it is making a small patch of the planet a nicer place for people. I get more pleasure from that than I would say blasting round the countryside in a Porsche, or any more yachting, or spending large amounts of time in a jacuzzi with a spliff and champagne, or many other pleasurable activities people aspire to.
I'm planting with warming in mind (40 degrees at that part of the Dordogne today, 20% humidity). I think Bill Gates is right (and you're right about the operating system. I'd love to switch to Linux, but need some MS dependent software for earning loot).
