Ethical Issues

Abstract

Space settlement, while drawing much support from public opinion, also has its critics. They bring various counterarguments, from the need to "fix” Earth’s problems first to the use of nuclear explosives and military devices, which might go against international treaties. However, the main argument is the desire to preserve eventual life forms, including microscopic ones, that might be encountered in the C. Here, we argue that the highest likelihood is that of life scarcity in our Universe. Life forms are, most probably, rare, usually microbial and living in environmental niches which would not be affected by terraforming. Intelligent life should be even much scarcer. Furthermore, we argue that space expansion is not just a desire but an imperative for preserving and growing our species and our entire Biosphere.

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