NP: Earth In Danger; Mars To Be Colonized In 2023.
By James W. Astrada
A group of 22 international scientists are concerned about the future of the Earth. They discussed concerns that are already pressuring change in policy and action. It seems that overpopulation, widespread destruction of ecosystems, and climate change are going to push Earth past a point of no return for humans. Discussing these topics before repeatedly, the climate change issue still receives little or no interest from politicians or the public. Although the scientists pointed at “future generations,” their main concern was for the fear of a biologically altered planet void of humans and other species. With our heavy industry, lust for oil, and increasing rate of globalization, it seems that we may not have to wait so long for drastic changes. Currently, we are undergoing severe weather changes, and the human conversion of ice-free land on the planet is at 43%. Soon enough, the artic will eventually lose ice due to temperature increase due to GHG emissions and fill the ocean level with increasingly more water. Several locations (especially coastline) will sustain heavy loss of life, sustain heavy economic damage on property, and alter the landscape with irreversible effects.
Humans unfortunately due to our current behavioral patterns never seem to focus on the long term. Because of our current thought on economic/market incentives, the future is only thought in potential numbers or values that affect our capital/business ventures. Nature is void of its real value to us; and we are connected regardless of our belief system(s). Instead of applying common sense, logic, and rationality, we tend to push the envelope as far as we can until it is too late. Only when it affects our personal lives, do we bother to take action. Unlike the Native Americans, most humans have lost their connection with nature, therefore cannot feel the changes around us. Changes obviously take long periods of sequential time to transform into something catastrophic or wonderful. Humans due to our actions seemed to create catastrophic change in our tampering with natural systems. Most critics and believers of
Judeo-Christian propaganda strongly defend that their invisible deity gave them control of all the land and species to rule. Along with this rule, I don’t believe that destroying things along the way and altering nature for our own perversions were included in that responsibility. Also being the vanguards of nature and its species, humans are doing an inadequate and shameful job. We only focus on livestock; we pick and choose what species to save and destroy, and inhumane experimentation on animals to extend our own worthless lives. Why should we be allowed to continue when all we do is destroy everything we touch, hurt our own species for financial gain, and kill our own planet that was given to us to sustain (by intelligent beings that allowed to evolve into our current state)?
I know it seems like a shot in the dark; however, our policy on the current situation must be changed drastically. Why do we even allow it to get to this point? Due to our many belief systems, cultures, and actions, scientists have to continue to warn about impending dangers that those in power already know. More and more useless debates, conferences, and “talks” are created on how to solve the situation with no actual solution, only speculations and theories. Is there a reason for their ostensible attitude to take action on these very important changes? Could it be that those who already know are planning to leave the planet behind in search of Mars to start over?
According to Dutch corporation Mars One, there may be a strong possibility to start over. In the year 2022, the company plans to send a group of 4 astronauts on a one way trip to live on Mars and begin construction of the colony. Other teams will be sent every two years to help grow the colony and add to building the colony. Next year, the process will begin to find suitable astronauts to undergo extensive training for the trip in 2022. When this becomes a reality, the concern for Earth’s environment will most likely become a thing of the past. Once the focus becomes in favor of Mars, many in power will excuse their mistakes on Earth to start over. The only ones to suffer would be the population who cannot afford passage to Mars along with many species. Is this the best way for humans to learn their mistakes? Should we be allowed to colonize another planet with the potential of doing even greater harm? Our capacity for greatness is mediocre at best based on our past history. What makes us so confident that this will be the
turning point in our species? Will Mars be another planet to suffer the destructive nature of human beings in the near future? This project could spell doom for those who cannot escape the irreversible changes coming straight for us due to our own actions.
While I am for space travel and exploring other planets, all human beings should go in some sort of “training program” regardless of job title, financial status or cultural upbringing. Universal law is something that all species should follow. It seems cowardice and irresponsible to just destroy the Earth’s natural systems and leave to start over on another planet. We must be educated before we are allowed free to roam other worlds; that we have a strong possibility of destroying due to our ignorance. With the option of leaving Earth, environmental science will suffer a big blow in defending whatever chance humans have for surviving the drastic changes ahead. The Earth will survive; however, we will have a hard time dealing with severe temperature increase, altering landscapes, worldwide flooding, and other cataclysmic disasters that will decrease the number of species on Earth. Those who make it to Mars, will now either continue our current way of living and destroy Mars eventually, or finally change our destructive habits and rekindle the ancient connection to the planet/environment that we once had.
All planets have an energy field that connects it to the universe. We also have this energy field as well as all the
species created that we are supposed to share the planet with. Organized religions fail to view the bigger picture that surpasses their primitive thought processes. Instead of connecting with nature, we are told we can control it. We are also told that we need to be saved and we are unworthy. The more we continue this path into the future, the more damage to all living things around us. It is time for a role change, time to ascend in consciousness, and individually surpass the human obstacle that we seemingly fall victim to everyday. Let us think now, and not when the danger is too much to handle. We need to develop our vision capabilities past the current level in order to take responsibility for our actions and stand our ground rather than run for the hills like cowards. No matter how far we run whether it be off planet, another solar system, galaxy, or universe; our problems, fears, inadequacies, and failures will follow us. The time for action is now, not generations from now. Take a stand now; because we only have one chance to do it.
References:
Jacqueline Howard. “Mars One: Dutch Startup Claims To Colonize Red Planet in 2023.” The Huffington Post. June 2nd, 2012.
Rob Sanders. “Scientists uncover evidence of impending tipping point for Earth.” U.S. Berkeley News Center. June 6th, 2012.
Climatechange.gov.au
Bill Chameides. “Sea Level Rise, Melting Glaciers, and North Carolina Law.” The GreenGrok; Duke University Nicholas School of Environment. June 7th, 2012.
©James Astrada 2012
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