That comment was meant in a more general or universal sense. Perhaps consider it in the context of 'saving the earth'. There is no earth to be saved. The universe exists, and that's it. Life in all it's forms will find some way to survive. Or not. Wether it reverts all the way back to the size of insects or bacteria before it has a chance to flourish again, well, who knows, but so be it.

Positioning the animal known as 'human' as some God-like entity that must survive at all costs, is extremely arrogant if you ask me. Obviously I wish for humanity to thrive and survive, as this is self preserverance and a bit of pride or ego. But the notion that we are special in some way just rubs me the wrong way and doesn't help think ahead on a large scale and timeline.