Not sure how we got to Space Colonization from Ukrainian Trolls, but what the hell... I'll bite.
Talking about the limitations of space colonization almost entirely misses the point. The Earth is a finite resource that cannot be replaced. No argument there, in fact that's the very reason for going into space, and in particular establishing bases on Mars and the Moon. Note I said bases, not colonies.
Take a look at these photos. This is the amount of land that is disrupted just to extract copper.
You see the problem right? Similar declines in grade are occurring across all mined minerals. As for the more exotic minerals needed for modern electronics and so-called "green technology" those are in even shorter supply.
As an example of the potential benefits, consider Helium3:
Apart from mining, the potential benefits of scientific research are enormous, especially in the areas of microbiology and advanced materials. Manufacturing in space has many advantages, the most obvious being zero gravity and access to an almost perfect vacuum. Consider the advanced composite materials in use today, and extrapolate from there.
If space colonization is too much to dream about, try imagining a world where all the really nasty resource extraction and manufacturing takes place on Mars or the Moon, using automated equipment that will only require occasional visits to maintain. Further down the road, imagine taking a vacation on the Moon! At 1/6th gravity, it would be very popular with newlyweds!
The USA appears to have given up the dream to the point their only access to the ISS is on a Soyuz rocket, but that's not true of China, a resource poor nation with a very large population. Plans are already on the table, and chances are they'll be the first to establish mining operations on the Moon and later Mars.
Imagine a world without mining, logging or oil extraction and all the damage that causes. A green planet where everyone has a home, food on the table, and interesting work to fill their lives. The planet can heal itself if we take the pressure off, and we don't need a WEF population reduction program to do that, we just need to apply our imagination to what can be done in space that is currently done on Earth.
The promise of space exploration is not that we can leave the planet, but that we can restore the earth to its pristine beauty, and even extend our stay to the point where we can survive the next Ice Age.
Not sure how we got to Space Colonization from Ukrainian Trolls, but what the hell... I'll bite.
Talking about the limitations of space colonization almost entirely misses the point. The Earth is a finite resource that cannot be replaced. No argument there, in fact that's the very reason for going into space, and in particular establishing bases on Mars and the Moon. Note I said bases, not colonies.
Take a look at these photos. This is the amount of land that is disrupted just to extract copper.
https://www.thoughtco.com/the-world-s-20-largest-copper-mines-2014-2339745
Now look at this chart:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/Grade_of_US_Copper_Ore.png
You see the problem right? Similar declines in grade are occurring across all mined minerals. As for the more exotic minerals needed for modern electronics and so-called "green technology" those are in even shorter supply.
As an example of the potential benefits, consider Helium3:
https://www.esa.int/Enabling_Support/Preparing_for_the_Future/Space_for_Earth/Energy/Helium-3_mining_on_the_lunar_surface
Apart from mining, the potential benefits of scientific research are enormous, especially in the areas of microbiology and advanced materials. Manufacturing in space has many advantages, the most obvious being zero gravity and access to an almost perfect vacuum. Consider the advanced composite materials in use today, and extrapolate from there.
If space colonization is too much to dream about, try imagining a world where all the really nasty resource extraction and manufacturing takes place on Mars or the Moon, using automated equipment that will only require occasional visits to maintain. Further down the road, imagine taking a vacation on the Moon! At 1/6th gravity, it would be very popular with newlyweds!
The USA appears to have given up the dream to the point their only access to the ISS is on a Soyuz rocket, but that's not true of China, a resource poor nation with a very large population. Plans are already on the table, and chances are they'll be the first to establish mining operations on the Moon and later Mars.
Imagine a world without mining, logging or oil extraction and all the damage that causes. A green planet where everyone has a home, food on the table, and interesting work to fill their lives. The planet can heal itself if we take the pressure off, and we don't need a WEF population reduction program to do that, we just need to apply our imagination to what can be done in space that is currently done on Earth.
The promise of space exploration is not that we can leave the planet, but that we can restore the earth to its pristine beauty, and even extend our stay to the point where we can survive the next Ice Age.