5,100 Years Left

In 1993, J. Richard Gott III used the Copernican Principle to predict that humanity would survive for another 5,100 years. He continues to support his prediction and advocates the colonization of Mars to lengthen humanity's existence. He believes that sooner or later something is going to get us and we will wish we had colonized Mars. 

Mankind has existed for more than 200,000 years; I don't think we will cease to exist in 5,100. Certainly there are things that may seem to support this idea, like global warming for example, but it just seems too short if you ask me. I've always imagined the human race existing for millions of years not a measly 205,100. Maybe my beliefs have been skewed though; I have always been told that the sun will last for millions of more years and I have always thought that as long as the sun exists the Earth and humanity will too. I am starting to realize that statement isn't necessarily true. Who knows... maybe the human race will become extinct before the earth or maybe the Earth will perish before humanity. Who knows... who knows?

Tierney, John. "A Survival Imperative for Space Colonization." New York Times. 17 July 2007. 11 March 2009. <http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/science/17tier.html?pagewanted=1&sq=colonization&st=cse&scp=1>.