Location from Red Rising by Pierce Brown
The diminished birthworld of humanity. Once the center of civilization, now a polluted backwater eclipsed by Luna and Mars in the Society's hierarchy.
Earth is a lesson in what happens when a civilization outgrows its cradle and forgets to look back. Humanity was born here, built here, nearly destroyed itself here, and then — when the Golds rose and the Colors were carved — simply moved on. The real power migrated to Luna, the real resources to Mars and the Belt, and Earth became a backwater wearing the tattered robes of its former glory. Billions still live here, mostly lower Colors running the machinery of a planet that the elites view as a museum. Golds who are posted to Earth consider it a demotion. The planet's strategic value is sentimental rather than tactical, though its population makes it a prize neither the Society nor the Rising can afford to ignore entirely. Terra endures. It always does. But it endures as a reminder that even birthworlds can become irrelevant.
A scarred planet of overcrowded cities, depleted oceans, and grey skies. The great capitals still stand but feel provincial compared to Luna's gleaming towers. Green spaces are curated luxuries. The atmosphere carries a permanent haze that old-timers say was not always there.
Also known as: Earth, Terra, Old Earth, the birthworld