In the 21st and 22nd centuries (2038-2157), population levels on Earth (Sol III) began to rise beyond sustainable capacity. Pollution, overcrowding, dwindling resources, and famine affected all nations of the world. Natural wonders previously under protection from their governments were bulldozed over in favor of creating Human settlements or potential arable land. Countless animal and plant species became extinct. The successful terraforming of Mars in 2157 provided a much-needed outlet for population growth, ending the Overpopulation Era and opening Humanity’s path to the stars.
