Should humans attempt to colonize space?
Yes. The deadlines are already within the timespan of one lifetime for some of our resources.
Our resources are finite. Many sources for the raw goods we need lay currently just out of reach in near space. Geologic statistics already show that some of our resources will only be available through recycling within 40 years because all viable sources on earth will be depleted. For some of these we have likely already waited too late. Establishing a human presence off world is becoming imperative.
Posted by: DACThe human race should attempt to colonize space because we will eventually run out of space and resources on earth.
If humans stay on earth without space colonization, we will eventually run out of space and resources. Therefore it is important that humans look to colonize space. This does not mean that we first travel to the nearest star as this is way to far and we do not posses the technology required to accomplish this. Therefore we start off small by starting on the moon with just a small capsule, this way it there is a problem then the colonists can receive help from earth. We then slowly keep adding capsules onto the original one thus creating a small colony. This will allow us to learn and discover the problems of colonizing another planet and again if the colonists have a problem the earth is not to far away. Then by using what we learn from the colonization of the moon we can apply that knowledge to colonizing mars. And then we look to other planets until we have the technology and knowledge to go to the nearest star. I understand why some people think that this is a bad idea and against our nature, but if the human race did not explore then we would not have colonized the entire planet and we would probably not be as smart as we are today. Thus colonization and exploration are necessary for humans to advance as finding problems and coming up with solutions is the best way to advance. There are also many benefits to colonizing space such as being able to mine resources, relieving pressure on earth by moving a substantial amount of people, and creating new jobs...
Posted by: AnonymousYes, colonizing space is a good idea, because of the limited resources here on Earth.
Humans need to venture out into space because, at some point in our history, we will either run out of room or resources on earth. It would be foolish to think our resources will last forever. We need to find alternatives in case of such a scenario, where we could go to another planet or a space station.
Posted by: l0nerkatz999We must leave the cradle
A planet is the cradle of mind, but one cannot live in a cradle forever. Quoted by Konstantin Eduardovich Tsiolkovsky: the human species must take the next step sooner or later if we stay on earth as a whole we risk extinction like the way of the dinosaurs. Besides all those mineral resources on one asteroid in are Asteroid belt would have more than we could mine in 25 years!
Posted by: AnonymousWe Should Colonize Space.
We are expending Earth's resources. Earth has a carrying capacity. We will eventually be forced to move, or restrict amount of kids born, in order to survive as a human race and not die out. Businesses and big people with power are the only ones with the power to change our direction, but their power comes from doing exactly what's killing us. They're too concerned with the here-and-now.
Posted by: AnonymousPick one
We, as in all of humanity, will either die on this rock or we will not. Which one are you most comfortable with? I choose that we shall not over going extinct on some backwater planet in an uninteresting part of an average galaxy. There's no reason we can't solve the problems we have here on earth in tandem with exploring the stars. I believe it is called multitasking.
Posted by: AnonymousYes we should colonize space or other worlds.
However not for the reasons as everyone says, I personally feel that as a species mankind needs to explore. We have this driving force, "as you will" that seems to be pulling us to explore. Some of our greatest minds where explores from Chistopher Columbius to Howard Hughes each where explores in there own way, and truthfully ask yourself this, "If I could would I truly stay here on Earth or given a chance would I not wish, no hope, to explore another world in all of its glory." My answer even with the risk of dying is, "yes.
Posted by: AnonymousWe must do what we were made to do!
"Earth is the cradle of Humanity, but one cannot remain the the cradle forever."
Birds do it with their young, turtle do it, leave and wait for the eggs to hatch to explore the unknown ocean.
How are we any different?
Humanity was made to expand! We always do, our curiosity isn't going to kill us, it's what brought us here already!
Only issue is, that religion, and beliefs is what keeps us from doing what humanity does best.
We also have to lead humanity to a healthier road. Renewable resources and concentrate on medicine.
We have everything we need for space travel, except unity and finance.
If we overcome this, we can overcome anything as a whole.
Which will take decades, or even centuries if we must.Posted by: FrancoSantoroHumans must colonize space as it offers us an opportunity to replenish our resources that are being consumed by mankind at an alarming rate.
With our present rate of consumption, days are not far when we may have to explore space for many natural resources. During scientific experiments conducted in other planets, it was found that they have many minerals and metals in abundance. If we're in a position to explore ways and means to procure these resources, it will be a boon to mankind.
With the advancement of technology, we should be able to relocate to other places in this universe to cater for the future developmental needs of mankind.
In an extreme scenario, where earth cannot sustain mankind, these colonies will offer an endless opportunity to man.Posted by: R0wHeavenYes, I believe humans should colonize space, we have as much right as any race.
To whoever (if anyone) is watching us out there, we're still this primitive baby race trying to catch up and reach places we've never been. Yes, it's understood that we've made a mess of our own planet, and there's a pretty great chance that we'll overcrowd other planets with our usual crime, noise pollution, and other facets of the human condition. But, the curiosity remains, and we should be allowed to pursue it.
Posted by: ShimBoItEarth will not survive indefinitely, so we should look to build other homes in space.
A human race that does not attempt to expand its horizons and grow its culture and influence beyond a single planet is grossly underachieving, in my mind. We need to seek out new worlds and continue to search for new knowledge and new experiences, because that is what makes us human.
Posted by: LivingJimmyYes. It is a logical progression, and one that one day will be forced upon us.
I look at the colonization of space as the natural and inevitable progression of evolution. That aside, there a many reasons for us to do it. Eventually, Earth will be destroyed - either in a collision of comet or asteroid, or during the expansion of our sun. It could even end in nuclear devastation, or engineered biological attack. There are a hundreds ways we could end. The only solution is to spread out more. It would be a lot harder for the Human Race to fail if we did.
Posted by: AnonymousIf we do not colonize space, we are doomed as a species. Not just physically, but also psychologically, intellectually, spiritually and philosophically. Mankind will stagnate and die a slow death, spreading out our resources so thin that it will be unecon
Space colonization won't just provide physical room for growth and additional resources, it will place humanity as a whole into a greater perspective. Future generations who can look back at Earth with the understanding that for most of the history of the species this pale blue dot was our only home will probably have a greater appreciation of how precious our homeworld is than we do now, especially considering how difficult it will be to colonize other places throughout our solar system. That said, I believe the space environment is more likely than anything else to force a fundamental shift in our mode of economy and the way we use our resources. There may be a vast incomprehensible wealth of resources out there for the taking, but it's worth noting that in a space colony, resource shortages are localized. Absolutely everything must be recycled to the fullest, most efficient extent possible, and the technologies developed to do so will also help improve the lives of those back here on Earth. Also, there are those minds who have a curiosity and a drive to explore that is simply too big to be contained on the surface of one planet. It is often said that humanity's drive to learn and explore is a "fundamental" and insatiable need, and there is an infinite wealth of knowledge to be had among the cosmos. There is no telling if or when someone can find a way of traversing the stars in a reasonable period of time, but one thing is certain; it will never happen if we don't try. I believe that space colonization is well within our technical capabilities, starting with a return to the Moon and cislunar space. However, there is too much greed and shortsightedness, and too little political and social will or ambition to put forth the effort. Even though our politicians and scientists can't find an immediate justification for manned space colonization, who's to say that the justifications to do so won't be found along the way? I say, the reasons are out there, and some are blatantly apparent but it is disheartening that nobody is seeing them yet. So why colonize space? WHY NOT?!?! What do we hope to achieve by just stagnating here forever, on a world of dwindling resources squandered on war, petty religious and socioeconomic infighting, greedy self-indulgence for an elite few, a wasteful culture of disposable consumerism and a gladiator type bread-and-circuses lifestyle for the masses? The rest of the universe is expanding, but why shrink our brains and minds with useless filler television, divisive political ideologies, and a diet so heavily processed with industrial chemicals it's a wonder any of us can even produce children that don't have some sort of major congenital defect, among other things? What kind of spiritual and philosophical enlightenment can we ever hope to gain from treading over the same old ground, fighting for the same old "holy lands" and arguing ad infinitum over which of the same old interpretations of the same old religions is the only true one, in the same old zero-sum game, when the rest of creation in all its splendor and grandeur is out there waiting for us to witness? What else can we ever hope to achieve by staying here forever other than simply waiting to die, one way or another? If we limit ourselves to a single planet and keep our civilization in the stasis we largely find ourselves in, I imagine that if we don't wipe ourselves out through some nuclear war or biological weapon or get whacked by an asteroid, we will reach an end more terrifying than anyone can heretofore imagine. A polluted hellhole of a world where the last of mankind goes to war over the last of the resources that can be economically harvested, where starvation, disease and extreme weather are common, and where the planet's biosphere has all but collapsed (and that's just the tip of the melting iceberg, the reality will be far worse). By then it will be too late to build or maintain any kind of infrastructure for colonizing space, and in a world with no hope of recovery on any front be it political social or technological, what else will there be but the drive to self-destruct? The future doesn't have to be like that and there is no excuse why we shouldn't have at least returned to the Moon by now. We have to start somewhere and sometime, and there's no better time than the present, and no better place than right here at home on the ground.
Posted by: AnonymousHumans should attempt to colonize space; the space on earth is insufficient.
There will be no space on the earth for the upcoming generations to live on, all eyes on trees. Deforestation and other methods of land acclamation harmful to nature will come into play. This will ultimately lead to the degradation of the environment and bring about unhealthy conditions in the near future. So colonizing space, though a highly expensive prospect, gives life to the future generations.
Posted by: Kri5GoodYes we should, the Earth is becoming overpopulated.
The Earth is going to become overpopulated and we will have no room left. When that happens where will we live?. The answer is that some people will have to live on the Moon or Mars. The Moon is closer and has frozen water on it, so that will probably the most logical place to go first.
Posted by: AnonymousHuman Survival Depends On Colonization In Space
Life of humans is too precious and, in case something happens to Earth, we should have a spare planet, or a back up. Also, as humans, we use up a lot of the resources that we have here on Earth. Eventually, all of the resources we need to survive will be all used up and we will no longer have the necessities for survival and the human race will begin to die off.
Posted by: AnonymousYes we should colonize space for further exploration.
Of course we should colonize in space the more we explore the more knowledge we have meaning the better I always wanted to go to space and this is a amazing opportunity to do what I have dreamed of for years also giving us a chance to meet new life forms
Posted by: AnonymousWe should definitely populate space
We are populating too fast in fact a few billion over the last few hundred years. We are going to run out of space and materials here on earth. We will have to strive to keep the human race alive because we have the materials and resources NOW to get to close planets/ moons and have discovered water and traces of past earthly like remnants on other planets like Mars which could have held life a few billion years ago.
Posted by: AnonymousYES! WHY NOT?
May I remind anybody against this idea, that the universe is gigantic and I literally mean gigantic. If light can travel 186,000 miles per second and scientists are always going on about a planet discovered "2000 light years away"(an example) that means it would take light 2000 years to reach it. Given the speed of light you can imagine how big the universe must be. Now given the aforementioned statement. there are also thousands (hundreds of thousands) of galaxies, which means quadruple the amount of planets. This means there could be loads which are habitable but with no life and if we had access to it why not? In fact let's get closer to home. Within a few hundred years, it should be POSSIBLE to terraform Mars and Venus so they would be completely habitable. Tell me, what's wrong with that? There is no life on these planets so why not colonize them? And may I remind you how we're overpopulated. It would be good to move to other planets and the terraforming process (which could take hundreds of years unfortunately) would leave a planet looking similar to earth with trees, water, etc. As long as a planet isn't already inhabited by other animals, or an area in space, we should colonize it. And where does God tell us not to do such a thing.
Furthermore, this could be possible as we may one day make machines as fast as light or even faster so it would be a waste not to see more of the universe. Also, we could mine on other planets for materials.Posted by: Anonymouspeople are to narrow minded
i agree that we must colonize another planet or become more seriousness about the chances of the humans race for survival on this planet, for all those that believe that u will be ok on earth well stay here im all for leaving and exporing the options to relocate. as u know our resourses are dwindling fossil fuel ect and thats only 100 years so tell me something if only 100 years from now what effect has that got on a population of billions to substain not likely we rely on stripping the earth for our own needs its only time it will backfire and i believe it already has. if anything the goverment needs to invest in a system of cryo state where our bosys can travel large distances without ageing at this point theres no other alternative we do have the technology but it hasnt been put out to the public u must be stupid to think our inteligence hasent thought that far, we live in a fish tank on earth its a waste to not travel to these super earths and restart leave the ones behind that will be a burdon all the countrys causing war ect theres always casultys im willing to live with that no point over poppulating so the 41 per cent saying no can just stay here and hope that you'll be ok. i guarentee you, you wont
Posted by: AnonymousHumanity should go for glory, not extinction.
If humanity wants to ensure long term survival, then we should colonize the moon and other celestial bodies as soon as possible. Earth's resources are dwindling and rapidly disappearing. Terraforming the Martian atmosphere IS possible and can be done within the next 400 years. The only way for us to leave to the stars is to populate our own celestial back yard first. Taking baby steps and populating planet by planet, solar system by solar system and maybe one day, galaxy by galaxy.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, why wouldn't we?
Why wouldn't we colonize space? Eventually the Earth will be over-populated. There would be no need to worry about the pollution of the Earth if you make space factories. This means advancement in the medical field and technology. There is no reason why we shouldn't colonize space. The biggest factor is that we need money to do it.
Posted by: AnonymousWe have to.
Our technology is nowhere near advanced enough yet, but that's all the more reason to start investing more in research and development. If we don't attempt to colonize space and ultimately other planets, our resources are going to be stretched thinner and thinner. We'll be forced to accept survival strategies to control the population that most of us would consider inhumane. And that's assuming some kind of natural disaster doesn't wipe us out first.
It's unlikely we'll experience any consequences one way or the other in our lifetimes, but someone somewhere down the line will pay the price for our inaction.Posted by: QuanRegardless of the results of this poll it will happen.
As the population of earth climbs there will be higher demands put on our already dwindling resources. In economic terms this means that everything will rise in cost and as these costs rise so will the profit to be made from harvesting materials from space. Even with current technology it is entirely possible. It just isn't on the menu because the cost/ benefit ratio has not tipped just yet. The free market will always conquer.
Posted by: AnonymousYou have my Tax Rights!
I believe we need renewed resources for our next generation's of life to. Have as well as save endangered species and create work. i am a engineer and i would built biodomes there for this all it takes is a super computer a welding robot, Xbox 360 anything is possible with a great mind behind it or we can just do it the old fashioned way suit up and built it!
Posted by: AnonymousYes, humans should colonize space.
The reason I think we will be able to colonize space is because we have become so intelligent about space. So we will keep learning and developing until we are able to colonize space. It is only a matter of time before we are living on another planet. Eventually our sun will die out and our planet will be inhabitable. So we need to figure out how to colonize on different planets. Otherwise, all mankind will die out and become extinct.
Posted by: AnonymousThe human race will go extinct if it does not expand from it's home planet.
The Earth is like a flowering plant and we are her seed. Wherever we go - even when the Earth is long gone - we will carry with us the traces of the planet from which we originated. There is a deeper beauty in this notion; our way of repaying our mother planet is by carrying her memory on throughout the stars.
Ultimately, our planet will cease to be habitable. Many claim that humankind is self-destructive in nature; that we will destroy both ourselves and our planet. I think that the Earth is more likely to become uninhabitable due to external circumstances, as gamma ray bursts, varying solar output, and large scale inter-solar collisions are more than capable of extinguishing all life on this planet. What causes this extinction event is irrelevant, however, as it will eventually come and there is nothing we can do to stop it. What is relevant is what we choose to do in order to maximize our chances of survival (and indeed, the chances of all life on our planet) by branching out. Surely everyone can concede the fact that mass extinction on Earth of any sort would be a horrendous tragedy...
There are risks to the exploration of space, no doubt. But surely the reader will agree that there are enormous benefits as well? Environmentally, taking the burden off of Earth will allow for a healthier future for it's inhabitants. Economically and industrially, there are enormous caches of resources in our solar system alone, including precious metals, industrial grade metals, rare isotopes, rare gases, water, and, most importantly, land. The Earth can only support a certain number of human beings based on our technological capabilities and the capabilities of our agricultural techniques. This is because there is only so much arable land. In the distant future, we may be able to reverse desertification, make tundras arable, or even farm underwater, but there is a finite amount of land on this planet. There is an infinite amount of land in space.
We are explorers by nature, this task and this task alone is what we were programmed by millions of years of evolution to do. The human race can explore our own solar system. Eventually, we can explore other solar systems, and galactic segments, and galaxies. We are limited only by our imagination (and by physics, of course).
Ultimately, the human race will meet its extinction somewhere in the infinite ocean that is deep time. But we might as well fight fate for as long as we can and make our mark on existence.Posted by: NihiloEarth isn't big enough.
Or safe enough. An untimely solar flare, a nuclear winter, or indeed, all out war prevent us from ever being safe enough to call this place our home forever. Put simply, if we don't move we die. But due to the instability of our situation, this is not a simple fight or flight response. We must do both. The problems of earth are more than enough reason for at least some small fraction of humanity to leave it. But we should not ignore them. The easiest way to fix them is by tapping the vast potential of space and letting the prosperity flow outwards in all directions.
Posted by: AnonymousYes, the attempt should be made.
Making an attempt to colonize space could lead to great advances and discoveries being made. I don't think an attempt will automatically lead to success. In fact, I think that success would be way down the road. But, in making a move to do this type of thing I feel that human life would be greatly enriched, even if we're just talking about human life here on Earth.
Posted by: MohaI0v35Earth's population will only grow and Earth is running out of resources.
With the combination of cost of living and the increase of population. This will only mean more resources will be used and a lot more effort to get it, so the cost of living will only get higher and there will be less of it in the future. At some point, there will be no resources and many people and our only choice is to look for resources outside of Earth. We should count ourselves lucky as a race to have that option and the knowledge to get it.
Posted by: AnonymousIt would create a future in the very long term for human race
We know that earth cannot sustain the human need. We know it is just a matter of time until wars break out for the last few resources such as oil or even water. What will we do when this happens? We will start to search elsewhere. We already know that mining asteroids is very expensive to mine but in the end, money is much less precious then materials.
The following paragraph is only my personal belief and should not be considered facts or even based on any research.
I believe in Darwin's theory of evolution. I believe races have an undefined amount of time before they go extinct and the only way to break the cycle is by reaching a point in science when we are no longer dependent. No longer dependent on anything because we could leave and create a new life elsewhere and if we faced a problem that would lead to extinction, we could leave elsewhere. I believe that the human race has grown and evolved to the point where when the inevitable "problem" (ice age, global warming etc...) that would lead us to extinction, we will be able to outsmart our past racial generation and either leave the planet or find an answer in science.
On a moral level, yes it can be debatable if colonizing space would lead to us abusing nature and earth. The problem is that it is too late to change our society to protect the earth more. Yes recycling and being careful helps but the major problems are still there and one day they will catch up to us and we can only pray that we will be ready.
(The colonizing of space will have a huge impact on the social classes and change economy as we know it)Posted by: AnonymousIt's the natural course for humanity
As humans we need to understand our place in the galaxy, its better if we try to grow in space, I mean the exploration of space wood provide a new ground test for science, new social perspective as a species, however, space could produce new evils, new terrible weapons , new political problems but we must continue forward, were are those amazing times of the space race; peoples minds full of possibilities, now the excessive pro market policy has twisted science goals. I hope we once again be a species of true advancement and change, the human race.
Posted by: AnonymousExplore. Dream. Discover.
When the Europeans found out about the new world, they were amazed and wanted to explore it. Even if it took a long time to get to the other side, its human nature to explore, and look at it now. We could get from one side of the world to the other quicker then at that time. Space travel might seem overwhelming and impossible. But it's a process. It won't take one decade but many decades, probably a thousand years. By then we will be ready to explore planets way far. We shouldn't limit ourselves to this little planet. Its a big universe, We should explore and contribute to humanity.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is the way we are
Colonizing space would change things. Think columbus and francis drake. Had neither of them attempted their monumental tasks none of us would be having this conversation. We will never be able to solve earth's problems because of human nature. We are greedy, walmart has it in its power to almost end world hunger, but they are too afraid to send a dented can overseas. They throw out mind boggling amounts of food. Is anyone saying hey stop that there are starving people in africa. If there are it isn't enough to change things. We subsidize corn and tons of it rots every year. We give developing countries money that never ends up in the hands of those who need it. It is human nature and we are who we are. Stop standing on a pedestal shouting this is how we should do things unless you are willing to live like martin luther, martin luther king jr., and all the others who fought for what they believed. The world paused the day neil armstrpng touched down on the moon. Everyone watched as we opened the door to our new frontier. Why because we had hope. We all realized the space can be explored. Earth is just a rock floating in space placed here by our creator. We can preserve earth and go out in space. There are trillions of people on the earth. The consequences of managing our reaources would mean the death of trillions of people. Population control, skyrocketing healthcare costs, limits on how many children you can bear.earth alone cannot sustain us. We can't snap our fingers and make more natural resources. Space in it's vastness would allow us to spread out. In time would allow vast natural resources to come back to earth. I mean one large asteroid could have enough iron to rebuild every city in the world. There are only two frontiers left to us. The oceans and space. Exploring one will help us draw maps and writing about fish. Exploring the other would open a gateway give people something to hope for and allow human nature to take its course. If we don't expand trillions will die. If we do expand we all get to have life. Space travel and colonization would bring about a new economic revolution. A scramble to find resources just like the the gold rush. I hope that I live to see us colonize a new planet. I won't fear for my children as much as I do now.
Posted by: AnonymousSpace exploration has given us a great deal of advancements technology and should be continued, along with future colonization, for the benefit of the human race.
Colonizing on another planet, or the moon, would offer a huge opportunity for the scientific community, and may benefit the whole human race in the end. Resources here on Earth are likely to run out eventually, at the rate the human species is multiplying. And if we were able to create another sustainable habitat, our concerns with over-population would decrease.
Posted by: daveyxhSomething's bound to happen sooner or later.
Although there are many downfalls to the idea of space colonization it is important for the human race to consider finding more than one home. Over the history of earth's existence there have been periodical extinction level events that wipe out large swaths of species from the earth's surface. Events like these happen once every billion years or so which leaves a good amount of time for our race to develop permanent colonies on other planet which would be back up for our species if some horrifying event were to occur and wipe us out.
Posted by: AnonymousIn addition to the environmental risks and limited resources on earth, the reasons for space exploration range from the scientific advancement it will likely foster to new experiments in living.
It would be optimal to resolve environmental problems on earth through responsible stewardship of remaining resources, more careful interaction with fragile ecosystems, and the development of renewable energy sources. But such an outcome is hardly guaranteed; note ongoing political controversy over limited resources and over responsibility for addressing climate change. Developing realistic plans for colonizing space would be too long-term a process to offer a way out of most of our current environmental challenges, but the intractability of current problems suggests others may emerge that will similarly confound efforts to organize an effective response. So developing viable modes of living in space seems important. Space exploration is wise for other reasons also. Consider the intended and incidental scientific and technological advances that the necessary research would surely generate. Consider too the chances to imagine dramatically different ways of living and of shaping human communities. Frontiers stretch and nourish the imagination.
Posted by: M4I4cFeIineA better question would be: Why not colonize space?
Space is Space: there are countless theorems on how the universe is expanding every second so why not explore. It is human nature to explore the vast unknown so colonizing space will be a brilliant experience. You may ask how this project would be paid for and my answer to that would be no-one. It is merely for the survival of the human race so why put a price on something as valuable as that? Furthermore we may have slowly poisoned our planet but don't you believe in second chances? The world is becoming overpopulated and if we do colonize space we wouldn't have to worry about "space" because space has "space"!
Posted by: AnonymousI am in favor of the human race attempting to colonize space.
The Earth has a finite number of resources such as space, water, clean air, and fossil fuels that are quickly being depleted by the rapidly growing world population. The ability to access more usable resources on planets other than Earth would be of a great benefit to the human race and is a good reason to begin further space exploration and colonization.
Posted by: 5hinyNessYes the humanity must push forward towards planetary colonization
Look at the Earth. Our resources are bound to run out someday. Even if it won't happen in our lifetime, our kids will be the ones to bear the fruits of our doings. However, I do agree that with the current state of the mind the humanity is in right now, we won't be seeing it for another century or so. Right now people are living here and now, but when the problem arises...It's the same old story: "We should have...".
In order to actually do that, we have to learn how to cooperate. We can't ensure our survival if we keep fighting on our home world. We must find a benefit in each individual if are to succeed. I am not saying to unite or conquer this or that country. All I am saying is to understand that our survival is at stake already. The World Powers should see that their citizens are tired of all the unnecessary conflict that goes around.
If we finally manage to cooperate with each other, imagine what we will be able to accomplish. Set our differences aside and carry a pride of being a human, not just American, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, African, German. Hell! Black, white or yellow for that reason. We are human, and we shouldn't be killing our own.
But yeah, we should consider space colonization anytime soon. Would hate for resources to run out in our lifetime, can cause a lot of death and destruction.Posted by: AnonymousConflict over resources will stay to a minimum if we spread out to other planets and it will ensure the survival of the human race
There will be a time where Earth's resources will be depleted and that fact will cause conflict, death and suffering. By spreading out to other planets, we will ensure that conflict over land and resources stay to a minimum. Also, spreading out to many planets will almost guarantee that the human race will survive and even thrive for as long as possible, unlike if we were to stay on Earth.
Posted by: AnonymousSpace to explore how can we not.
The best reason to colonize space is for exploration itself. Exploring space would also relieve the stress of the continued growth of our population. Space may also provide more resources preventing us from using all of the earths resources up. While we are in space the discoveries may lead to better medicine. We may possibly make first contact with extra-terrestrial beings. This puts the possibilities off the charts. We are humans and we seek to explore it's in our nature. Man can no more fight his nature than he could stop breathing. I don't believe it's a matter of should we. I believe that is inevitable. We will colonize space. It's just a matter of when will we.
Posted by: AnonymousTo Evolve Humanity
The way I see it, we show intelligence in what we can do as a species. Ants can't build computers, so we deem them unintelligent. We can, so we are intelligent. Alien races could see us as primitive creatures because we can only survive on our home planet, so they don't try to communicate with us. Maybe if we showed a level of understanding of space travel, more alien races would see us as an intelligent life form. My main point is: Would you try to talk to an ant? Then why would an alien race try to speak with us? If we showed our understanding of the universe, we could a alien teacher that has had billions of years of evolution and growth in technology.
Posted by: ScienceJunky101Space colonization is the key to human survival.
Disaster is possible. One single missile crisis in Cuba nearly caused a full fledged nuclear war. By planting colonies off the planet we could have some of our kind still alive while others no longer exist. Human could not afford to keep all of its eggs in one basket because you never know when an unexpected catastrophe is going to happen.
Posted by: AnonymousYes space colonization is key to our survival as a species.
Earth you would call a non renewable resource. There will come a day when we can no longer sustain modern civilization on this rock in lieu of resources. When that day comes, our fate is sealed. Do you want that for your descendants? Do you wish to provide your children with a hopeless future? We're running out of time, people. The world needs to pull its capitalistic head out of the clouds and see the big picture. Only then do we stand a chance.
Posted by: AnonymousOnly Option Available
Right now we have all our eggs in one basket. Even without a disaster like major solar storm, asteroid impact, etc., our time is limited due to the life span of the sun and our gradual movement towards it. There is no other option if our species is to survive.
Posted by: AnonymousWe can so we should
We cannot stay here forever!!
We have reached an age in which the concept of human space travel and even colonization is now becoming a great possibility, and the only real reason we haven't ventured further as a race is because of money and the people in control of that money have no intelligent understanding of how important it is for us to spread out as a race. So many factors have appeared over the past 100 years that is making our position on this planet harder and harder for example - consider when we started mining resources such as oil for approximately 300 years (on a big scale) and we're already running out!! Now with growing populations and that populations need for more and more power even the renewable resources we cannot hope to get every one on the planet a comfortable amount of power (including the 3rd world countries). We cannot expect the 3rd world to deal with the reality they are given by fate not when we have reached a level of technology that could allow us to create more space on this planet as well as give all the people on this planet a chance to advance human kind in ways never before seen and ensure the continuation of our race no matter what happens here. There are many other factors to consider both long and short term effects that cannot just be ignored and BECAUSE WE CAN WE SHOULD. Not letting politics, agendas and fear get in the way!!!Posted by: Ianfoster83Expand or Die
We've already gone over capacity, it's evident with the fact that we have too many workers and not enough jobs. The only way that humans can continue to survive as a race over the next 50 years is to expand or die. By leaving earth new industries can pop up to allow for additional work and resources. If that happens eventually everyone will end up poor, and will not be able to eat, nor sustain life on this plan. Capacity has been shown to be 3-4 billion. We're nearing 8.
Posted by: AnonymousExploration and research
The percentage of our solar system that we have explored in miniscule. By colonizing other planets we would far better our knowledge of space and we would discover many advancements and new resources. Not only would we be discovering more of the universe in which we live but we would also be bettering our life on earth by making huge advancements as a race.
Posted by: HMainlandIf we can colonize space correctly, Earth can be returned to a natural paradise
Heavy industry destroys the earth. If there were a way to offload heavy industry to space, utilize energies in space, and return refined elements to earth, some of earth's wilderness could be returned. Improving the earth's environment will improve health. We'll need good logistics to get materials back-and-forth. ("Colonization" has rather nasty overtones of defeating an indigenous population. "Off-sourcing" is a more apt description.)
Posted by: AnonymousColonise Planets
We can never evolve as a human race unless we expand out into space. What happens when Earths population becomes to big and we start to run out of Resources we need to colonise other planets not just for Scientific purposes but to expand our race and we could make life on Earth far better with the new technology and resources who knows maybe space has the technology we need to reach other star systems.
Posted by: AnonymousOnce humanity has solved its current issues, it will be beneficial for us to explore and settle in space.
"Colonization" of space sounds too imperialistic and much too reminiscent of a bygone era; it would be better to call this phenomenon "settlement" in space. Human settlement of space is the collective future of humanity if we can first get our act together. That would imply solving foremost (from a secular perspective) our environmental and social problems. Humanity as a whole still cannot get along with the environment nor with itself. If we can overcome these issues, then why not venture out into the great unknown?
Why not spread life as we know it to the far corners of existence? Did not God set all of creation before us to care for it? It is in our innate nature (without sin) to care for what God has given us. So yes, most definitely yes, humanity should settle in space, but in due time.Posted by: AnonymousWe should attempt it
The ability to colonise space currently eludes us. It may exist in primary and embryonic stages and may cost billions of dollars to make useable but by no means does that tell us that we shouldn't just because we can't. Space travel is one of the most important goals of the human species, how often has any one of us gazed up at the night sky in wonder. Humans have to keep trying to surpass themselves instead of clinging to the familiarity of a blue rock no matter how many obstacles confront us because if we don't our race will become stagnant.
Posted by: Anonymous
Nahh, its bad
We shouldn't because we would deplete the Moon's resources just like we are depleting Earth's resources. Plus the foundation of the moon isn't stable enough to build on, the soil is too rich, and we would need to put massive oxygen tanks up there just to breathe. This would kill the economy with the costs of this this attempt.
Posted by: AnonymousNo.
Colonizing space would be extremely difficult if not impossible, and would be very costly. Even if we succeeded, we don't really need to colonize space, at least for a billion years. If humans are even around in a billion years, then would be a good time to colonize space. But not now.
Posted by: martiansharkNo, we'd wreck it.
We'd do the same thing to the moon as we have to Earth. Besides it is supposed that the moon will leave us before the sun does, therefore wrecking our seasons and so on and so forth. We're all going to die then anyway so there's no real point in it. However, if you wanted to send criminals there with no life support then that's fine by me...
Posted by: AnonymousColonization is a failed ideology
Logic dictates that there is no real chance of reaching the nearest star Proxima Centurai which is 4.2 light years away. The only propulsion systems that could achieve that kind of distance within a human lifetime are fantasy. This limits the debate to our solar system, which is demonstrably uninhabitable excluding Earth. Terraforming to livable levels on a planetary body (Mars) or moon level will not be realized before we make our own planet uninhabitable unless drastic lifestyle changes are embraced. Wake up people.
Posted by: coopern4Colonizing space is a big no.
Many people could not handle the training standards, the way they must live, they will live there for there lives. What if fuel cannot be transported, what if something brakes down? Ordinary people would not be ready for this. Overall, the problem with colonizing space is that many ordinary people could not handle the large task.
Posted by: AnonymousHumans should not colonize space because we haven't been able to find solutions to the problems we experience right here on Earth.
It's bad enough we've ruined plant Earth and continue to destroy the planet and our value system because of our greed and selfishness. Of what benefit could it possibly be to anyone to colonize space or other planets? We're sure to continue on our course of mayhem and destruction. The human race isn't equipped to care for anyone or anything with integrity or intelligence.
Posted by: N3vinFaceWe would have to use up earth's resources to build on other planets anyway
There is really no reason to colonize space. We are terrestrial beings and we evolved for this planet, our bodies would start to shut down after long term space exposure. This planet has everything we need, and all we have to do to control the population problem is stop having so many kids! If we protect the earth there will be no reason to leave it. We belong on earth, and we should enjoy and protect this wonderful planet.
Posted by: AnonymousI think no.
I think no because just look at how much we have screwed up our planet. Until we can clean up the mess we have made I dislike the idea of colonizing space. Plus I like the feeling of space being the final frontier. If we screw up space who knows what could happen next.
Posted by: Anonymousif earth is two crowded why should we just push our problem off to space and just over populate that?
we shouldnt we should find a way to stop using up our "renewable" resources quicker than they can replenish themselves. By people colonizing space its just trying to push our problem off on someone else. I hate to say it but the movie "wal-e" pretty much hits the nail on the head with what would happen. The physical toll on our bodies would be substantually greater then we could handle how do you get freshair in a space station? even if you could somehow create an atmoshphere it would not be the same as going for a run outside and if we lived in space people wouldnt feel the need to excercise if we live in space we would way less true but a number doesnt shange the sheer unhealthyness of the lifestyle.
Posted by: AnonymousHumans should not attempt to colonize space, as it is a foolish waste of time and money.
We have people who are dying of hunger, disease, exposure, and simple lack of health care, right here on Earth. Colonizing space is a pipe dream that is never going to happen, and we need to spend our time and money on the heartbreaking reality that is right in front of us, which is the reality of human suffering. Let's take care of humans and our home (Earth), before we chase dreams.
Posted by: C0rtKenkaColonizing space should not happen
We should be spending money on issues that are already here on earth! Besides, so many countries are already in debt, where are we going to get the money? And this is a big risk! We could be wasting all of this money not knowing if it is going to work or not! The sun will possibly die by around 5.5 billion years from now so why should we start on a project like this now when we could already be fixing issues that exist today?
Posted by: AnonymousNo, we'd wreck it.
We'd do the same thing to the moon as we have to Earth. Besides it is supposed that the moon will leave us before the sun does, therefore wrecking our seasons and so on and so forth. We're all going to die then anyway so there's no real point in it. However, if you wanted to send criminals there with no life support then that's fine by me.
Posted by: AnonymousNo. In over 40 years of space explorations, our means and knowledge about the universe and its dynamics have changed like never before. However we still face limitations.
We can clearly make it before the end of the present century, like sending some people to the Moon, since Mars would probably still be a bit too much. Although we could probably benefit from the knowledge gained by doing such a thing, in the end, we have to consider that what pushes the human being in exploring this infinite region is not only due to his curiosity, but also for his survival. Everyone has to acknowledge that one day, the earth will have maxed out its biological capacity to allow more humans to exist and to feed those.
On a global scale, humanity is more at a point that it needs to not waste carelessly the resources meant for our survival. We are at a point where we are slowly optimizing our use of said resources. When there will be no more resources for humanity to prosper without damaging the environment that assures our survival on this planet, we will have already developed the adequate processes and technologies to make travels to faraway planets done in realistic times (at the most 1 month for any kind of travel before making them official).Posted by: AnonymousNo, humans should not attempt to colonize outer space, because the possible benefits would be greatly outweighed by the costs.
Many people consider space colonization as some kind of solution to the overpopulation problem, however it is not really a solution at all. The amount of resources (fuel, launching costs) required would be prohibitively expensive to send all but a few people into space. Colonization is wasteful. We have a planet that works right here. Space exploration should be left to just that - the explorers and scientists.
Posted by: 5c4ryOgdonWe should spend more money researching on different techniques rather than on space.
I think we should spend more money on the planet that we are living on and how to use alternate resources than on space because we do not yet have the technology to fly out there (even if we tried it would take a life time) and start life or take resources from a new planet. It would be a mission will a very thin chance of success at this point of time. Maybe in the future, when we have the right technology and identified a planet with resources, then it would definitely be a good idea.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, because the trillions of dollars spent on research and development for such a project can be used much better elsewhere.
Since our earth is not on the brink of destruction, and the fate of mankind depends upon finding another habitable planet, then the trillions of dollars needed for such a huge endeavor are not economically prudent. If we did not have, literally, billions of people on earth who need help, then perhaps such an endeavor would be possible.
Posted by: NettN355Google Project Virgel.
We already have! Google Project Virgel. Oh yeah, we are on top of things! Why not destroy every other planet? We have done it to our own. Martians, if you exist, better watch out! We're going to burn your trees down and... wait. WHAT? Mars doesn't have trees, you say? Well, I guess that means we won't be doing a lot anytime soon.
Posted by: AnonymousTheres a reason why God made this planet!!
God made this planet for us for a reason. Plus that would be VERY expensive, and what if there was a malfunction? We would loose a lot of people. It would be a big risk. I dont think that we have economy for it either, with America having the economy that we have, we just cant afford it.
Posted by: AnonymousHistory repeats itself
It would be like the whole New World thing again. The Native Americans almost got wiped out from the Europeans invading the Americas. Do we really want to do that? It is against our whole morale. We have been fighting so long for basic rights, do you think that we will respect rights of other life? It is a BIG universe people. Pretty sure that we aren't the only life out there. I ask you, is this worth it?
Posted by: AnonymousSpace exploration or Earth reparation, what's more important?
Earth is being destroyed by Human greed. Lets not bring meteorites colliding and all these scientific theories into the mix and deal with reality. All this Money, time and energy that we are putting forth with space exploration, why cant we use it in trying to fix what we have destroyed in our planet. Find the cures for diseases, and help countries where people are dying of starvation and disease, including our own. Not until we learn to live in peace globally, would we be ready to step out of our little bubble. I don't believe we will accomplish much by worrying about space right now. Am I against it? No, I just don't believe we have mastered taking care of ourselves yet. Once we learn, then we can move on. What garbage truck are we sending to space to clean up the mess we have started there? I guess it does not matter. Lets save all this money for now, fix the mess we are in and then move on to the next level.
Posted by: AnonymousDo onto others as others would onto you
We are all scared of aliens invading us and taking out our planet. Should we then take over other planets and rule over the local inhabitants? Even if those local inhabitants are not intelligent, who are we to say that they can't become intelligent, just like humans evolving from single-cell organisms?
Posted by: jack.liuNo way we are going to leave
Since we humans have already trashed earth who says we should go out and destroy another? Humans have created waste, millions of tons of waste. We have been using up earth's water polluting it. We cut down earths trees creating more carbon dioxide and less oxygen for us to breath. We are going to totally mess up space if we go out there now without learning our lesson.
Posted by: AnonymousNo, space should not be colonized by human.
The earth is a lovely place and in my opinion all the efforts must be made towards betterment of the earth and its beautification. So there is no point in colonizing space by human beings. The earth has sufficient room to survive and people dwelling upon it should take care of it.
Posted by: IinAshWe haven't looked after our own planet well enough to earn this right!
Do we have a right to colonize other planets? I think that we will but thus far we don't deserve to as we haven't looked after our own planet well enough to earn this right. Their are also so many problems that we need to correct first, like tackling world poverty, before we throw money at colonizing space; when at the moment we don't need to.
Posted by: AnonymousIt's way too unreasonable.
Take for example the moon:
to ship just 100 people to the moon, it would cost $15 billion! Try shipping 7 billion people, especially with the economy these days! Besides, the moon doesn't provide what we need to survive: food, shelter, and atmosphere, breathable air, water, a pressurized shelter, and power. We would have to continually transport everything to support everyone's needs. Every single time we would step outside, we would have to wear protection from the sun's UV rays. The weather on the moon at noon (hehe that rhymes) can get over 212 degrees Fahrenheit!!! <----(boiling point) at night it can get as cold as -279 degrees Fahrenheit! Not to mention how many rocket ships it would take!Why would we waste so much time and effort on something that can go so wrong, cost so much, and take so long to accomplish?Posted by: Anonymousborn and raised
WE as humans were born and made on this planet earth. What would you think if you had been shipped off millions of miles away from the home you were raised on. Also we as humans had already screwed up this planet why go to another and screw that one up as well. We should stay on our home planet
Posted by: AnonymousGOD's CREATION:
No I think we need to look at reality as a whole. Our economy is in a mess. Where will we get the money from to colonize space? Also we will be messing with God's creation. We are already in debt in the United States and I think this is just a dream. I am solely against this I do not want to leave the earth until it is time for me to leave, by death from our Creator.
Posted by: AnonymousI disagree that humans should colonize space; space is a frontier unyet fully explored, so we not yet sure enough of the costs and benefits of colonization.
Human beings are not yet in the position to colonize space. The ability to sustain human life in areas that have previously not done so is, at best, questionable. We also do not fully understand the psychological ramifications for citizens who would be living on another planet, moon, or space station in the long-term. Furthermore, the construction of future generations may be complicated and prone to in-breeding without a sufficiently large first generation. Perhaps space colonization will be possible with future technologies, but for now, human beings should not attempt to colonize space.
Posted by: acharackCLEAN UP EARTH!
We need to clean up the mess we made on Earth, not abandon it. What are we, 6-year-olds who shove all of their toys under the bed and say their room is "cleaned up"? We can't shove Earth under the rug. If we could, we'd destroy planet after planet with our pollution and laziness. The people of Earth need to step up and we need to take responsibility for our mess.
Posted by: AnonymousPlanting colonies off the Earth would be tremendously dangerous and expensive.
Every single meteor shower hits the moon with explosions equivalent to 100 pounds of TNT. Other planets would be worse. Radiation caused by solar flares causes cancer, neurological damage, and degenerative tissue disease. Radiation from the space causes male sperm to get destroyed and no babies would be born. Salmonella becomes more dangerous in space due to the lack of gravity and therefore it surrounds itself in bio film. All in all, space colonization is bad and we should not attempt to colonize space.
Posted by: AnonymousIt is worthless, not worth it!
Not even mentioning how costly colonizing space could be, but the feat is nearly impossible. Any malfunction could sacrifice any significant life. Additionally, if we do colonize space, what good can it do for human kind? We are only seeking a new place to live because we polluted our planet, Earth. However, if we do seek out a new place to live, we would only ruin it; likewise of what we did to mother Earth. We could be spending money and time on much more efficient aspects like education or healthcare instead of colonizing space. But this is only some of the reasons colonizing space is worthless. I could give a whole page of reasons!
Posted by: Anonymous