True. On the surface it is about survival.

Yet what if consciousness acts as a form of energy, given that like energy, it is only present and goes past to future, as thoughts and physical forms rise and fall, going future to past?

Then this process of imagination we experience as the conciousness is the tip of the iceberg. The point of focus of all those driving desires, manifesting as curiosity, the intellectual probing of the experience of reality, as an extension of emotional intention/desire.

Then consciousness is a manifestation of intent.

Consider that we are most depressed when we lose that forward drive and start thinking life is meaningless, even if those around us are actively living and valuing their lives.