Introduction
Where Did We Come From? Where Will We Go?
by Jesse Emspak
Section 1: Factors for Success
1.1 The Most Invasive Species of All
by Curtis W. Marean
1.2 The Origin of Us
by Kate Wong
1.3 When the Sea Saved Humanity
by Curtis W. Marean
1.4 The Evolution of Myths
by Julien d’Huy
1.5 Human Hybrids
by Michael F. Hammer
Section 2: Africa
2.1 Lush Okavango Delta Pinpointed as Ancestral Homeland of All Living Humans
by Richard Conniff
2.2 Ancient Human Migration Route Marked by Snail Shell “Bread Crumbs”
by Cynthia Graber
2.3 Hominins Likely Left Africa Earlier Than Believed
by Krystal D’Costa
Section 3: The Americas
3.1 Journey into the Americas
by Jennifer Raff
3.2 Date of the Vikings’ First Atlantic Crossing Revealed by Rays from Space
by Christopher Intagliata
3.3 Footprint Discovery Hints at Humans in the Americas More Than 20,000 Years Ago
by Riley Black
3.4 Ancient Bones Spark Fresh Debate over First Humans in the Americas
by Kate Wong
Section 4: Asia and the Pacific
4.1 Genomes Show the History and Travels of Indigenous Peoples
by Keolu Fox
4.2 Ice Age Tibetans
by Jane Qiu
4.3 Is This Indonesian Cave Painting the Earliest Portrayal of a Mythical Story?
by Kate Wong
Section 5: Europe
5.1 Mother Tongue
by Roni Jacobsen
5.2 Language Wars
by Michael Balter
5.3 How Farmers Conquered Europe
by Laura Spinney
Section 6: Migration and Climate Change
6.1 Fifth Straight Year of Central American Drought Helping Drive Migration
by Jeff Masters
6.2 America’s Next Great Migrations Are Driven by Climate Change
by Parag Khanna and Susan Joy Hassol
6.3 Delta Danger
by Charles Schmidt
6.4 The Ominous Story of Syria’s Climate Refugees
by John Wendle
Section 7: The Future
7.1 Starship Humanity
by Cameron M. Smith
Migration has been part of the human story since the dawn of time. Over the centuries, humans have moved across the land, oceans, and even space to disperse and repopulate the planet. In fact, evidence shows that one of the reasons why humans have been so successful, and so resilient, is due to their propensity to migrate.
The history of human migration can be traced to the Paleolithic era, when hunter-gatherer groups moved from one landmass to another in search of food and better living conditions. Over time, these migrations grew in scope and size, as technology, innovation, and the discovery of new lands enabled people to move to new places and start new lives.
As people moved, cultures, technologies and religions changed, and evolved. Migration has contributed immensely to the development of many civilizations, from the ancient Egyptians to the Aztecs and the Incas. As different groups encountered each other, technological advancements, as well as intersecting cultures, facilitated the influx and fusion of ideas, creating breakthroughs in agriculture, education, business, and more.
Today, international immigration is still one of the most important contributing factors to the global economy. Immigrants often enter the workforce with skills and knowledge that can benefit their adopted country, and can contribute to diverse and vibrant cultures; in fact, the World Bank estimates that migrants contribute over $21 trillion to the global economy.
Humans are creatures of change and adaptation. Despite the risks of leaving their homelands, migrants did so in hopes of creating a better life for themselves and their families, and in the process, they have enriched and strengthened the cultural fabric of their new homes. Those of us who have the privilege of exploring the planet are the beneficiaries of these travels. It is these migrants that have populated the planet over the centuries and enabled us to appreciate the incredible diversity of traditions, cultures, and skills that exist today.
