Scientists may be fretting over global climate change or when the next asteroid will strike Earth’s surface, and the threat of mass extinction such events would bring. But a catastrophic event doesn’t necessarily spell the end for civilization.

In fact, Annalee Newitz, author of the new book Scatter, Adapt and Remember, says that with the right mindset and proper preparation, humans have the capacity to thrive in a post-mass extinction world.

Click on the audio player above to hear our extended interview with Newitz.