Evolution is opportunistic. While evolution processes are constantly in motion, the evidence of evolution occurs when a niche occurs that evolution can fill. Adaptations to changes in the environment are indicators that evolution has been happening and it has siezed the opportunity to be expessed in a changed situation.
Evolution steps into the gap when extinctions occur. This has especially been true after major extinctions have taken place. When the world of the dinosaurs was changed by a huge rock from space, the dinosaurs were mostly destroyed. Only the survivors were able to advance into the new age, and they rapidly filled the newly created void when the large dinosaurs disappeared. The mass extinction was an opportunity for evolution to show its power and the amazing variety of animals that emerged from the catastrophe filled all the newly created niches.
There is some thought that we have entered a time of massive extinction. This could be an opportunity for evolution as the old assortment of living beings disappear and new niches appear for a regenerated planet. The future, post extinction planet will suvive and the life forms that populate it will be the products of the powerful forces of evolution.
I wonder what future form of humans will show up. Will a future world be populated by humans who have adapted to the changed environment? I think there is an emerging population of more aware, more adaptable humans showing up in the current population. My hope is that these humans with highly developed mindfulness will be the face of humanity in a post-extinction world.
Evolution will have its way, especially after a massive extinction. Perhaps the modifications of the planet will make way for a more highly evolved and aware presence of humans.