Beyond Earth: Should We Fix Our World or Colonize a New One?

As Earth faces escalating challenges—climate change, resource depletion, overpopulation, political instability—some argue that humanity should set its sights on colonizing other planets as a long-term survival strategy. Others contend that we have a moral and practical obligation to focus on fixing the problems here on Earth before investing in expensive and uncertain ventures in space. Is space colonization a necessary next step in human evolution, or a distraction from the urgent need to care for our home planet?

• Should humanity prioritize colonizing other planets or solving Earth’s problems first?
• Does space exploration distract from or inspire solutions for issues like climate change and inequality?
• If space colonization becomes possible, who decides who gets to go?
• Assuming some of Earth’s problems remain unsolvable, would it be ethical to leave some people behind while others escape to space?
• Who should control space resources and governance — nations, corporations, individuals, a global entity?
• Is the desire to colonize other planets a sign of human progress, or a form of escapism?

Bill Nye on the Importance of Space Exploration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D15bXZOHKYk
Why Space Colonization Presents an Ethical Dilemma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7GNey32VB4
Let’s Not Use Mars as a Backup Planet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrHxeE68gTY

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In addition to the main topic (above), we also provide breakout rooms at 8pm as follows:
“Philosophy” – philosophy and its applications
“Town Square” – politics and current events
“Conference Room” – open for anything
“The Lounge” – light social chat