Join us in a stimulating conversation with Dr. Frank as we explore the concept of intelligence on a planetary scale. Shifting away from conventional views of intelligence as a property of individuals or collectives, Dr. Frank introduces the intriguing idea that the emergence of technological intelligence could be seen as a planetary transition. Drawing parallels with theories about the origin of life as a planetary event, Dr. Frank presents a fresh perspective on the evolution of life and intelligence at the planetary level, far beyond the traditional focus on individual species. This episode delves into how this broader understanding of planetary intelligence could influence three distinct areas: Earth Systems and Exoplanet studies; Anthropocene and Sustainability studies; and Technosignatures and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Tune in as we discuss the implications of planetary intelligence on predicting possible paths of the long-term evolution of inhabited planets, including Earth and potential extraterrestrial worlds.

Keywords: Planetary Intelligence, Earth Systems, Exoplanet Studies, Anthropocene, Sustainability, Technosignatures, Extraterrestrial Intelligence, Technological Intelligence, Evolution.

Frank, A., Grinspoon, D., & Walker, S. (2022). Intelligence as a planetary scale process. International Journal of Astrobiology, 21(2), 47-61. doi:10.1017/S147355042100029X