Aether caused great damage to Earth and the lives living on it when it first came. The First Great Disaster surpassed any and all kinds of natural disasters seen in the past.
Nevertheless, it also brought life.
Animals evolved, the genetic codes of survivors strengthened, life expectancy grew, biodiversity increased by many folds, and life was birthed and thrived at places where it was impossible before.
Antarctica. The only continent where humans couldn't live changed completely.
With this emerged 7 leaders, each belonging to one continent, to discuss matters revolving around the survival of humanity.
Although, 3 of the 7 continents had been left uninhabitable, thanks to the Second Great Disaster. The tradition of 7 world leaders continued.
The 7 Councilmen
They were the 7 leaders of Gia, the central government that was the unified humanity front to combat invading forces and ensure humanity's survival as its top priority.