colonize mars? how about we figure out how to live on earth first.

there is an interesting article by karl schroeder on putting extraterrestrial colonization by humans in the context of colonization of difficult areas on earth. why should we go to mars to colonize when establishing a permanent human settlement in the gobi desert will be easier and less expensive? what lessons can we learn from extraterrestrial colonization research that can be applied toward developing suitable living conditions in hostile areas on earth? the main discussion deals with ecosystem services, and how to best manage and develop those services here or on another planet.

If we knew how to live on Mars, we'd know how to reduce our footprint on Earth. Space colonization is the Rosetta stone for earthly sustainability because it's entirely about living in the absence of ecosystem services.

Sphere: Related Content