Cosmic evolution might unify natural science and help remedy human society

Abstract A research programme called cosmic evolution explores physical, biological and cultural change, seeking to understand the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, planets, life and society. Its principal goal aims to create a unifying worldview of the Universe and our sense of place within it. This scientific, evidence-based cosmology might also help guide humanity going forward—its people and their cities, nations, economy, health, machines and not least energy usage in a warming world. Neither new science beyond non-equilibrium thermodynamics nor non-science like untestable supernaturalism are needed to justify the impressive hierarchy of the cosmic-evolutionary scenario, from quarks to quasars, from microbes to minds.