There is a very cool RPG setting called Numenera [1] (and an upcoming computer game based on it, by some of the guys behind Planescape: Torment [2]) whose premise is more-or-less that there have been several global civilizations on this planet, separated by hundreds of millions of years.

Each one either ascends to the stars or collapses, but they all leave behind remnants that continue to shape the world for those who come after them.

Given the current political and environmental turmoil worldwide, it may not be too far-fetched that we humans of today are but one page in Earth's story. Whatever happens to us, the planet will live on and others may eventually take our place.

[1]: http://www.numenera.com/what-is-numenera/ [2]: https://torment.inxile-entertainment.com