An obligation to colonize outer space. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Munevar, Gonzalo
• Is Part Of: Futures. Volume 110(2019)
• Page Start: 38
• Page End: 40
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Asteroid collisions -- Human extinction -- Terrestrial life -- Space colonies -- Gerard O'Neill; Economic forecasting -- Periodicals; Technological forecasting -- Periodicals; Economic policy -- Periodicals; Prévision économique -- Périodiques; Prévision technologique -- Périodiques; Politique économique -- Périodiques; Economic forecasting; Economic policy; Technological forecasting; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 330.0112
• DOI: 10.1016/j.futures.2019.02.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-3287

Abstract

Highlights: Cosmic catastrophes, such as asteroid collisions, will destroy human and most other Earth life. Space colonization will allow us to save human and much other life from extinction. Space colonization will also allow us to deflect asteroids, and thus prevent such catastrophes. Thus, we have an obligation to colonize space. Abstract: Colonizing outer space will prevent great cosmic catastrophes, eventually human extinction, while offering great advantages to humanity. I include establishing bases on the Moon, Mars, and other bodies in the solar system, perhaps terraforming some of them, as well as building the sorts of space colonies championed by Gerard O'Neill. This will bring clean energy to Earth and give us access to the resources of the solar system, while increasing our scientific knowledge of heaven and Earth. The harm this approach will prevent and the benefits it offers create a moral obligation to colonize space.