This time from the Geek with a .45:
In about 5 billion years, Sol, our star, will enter its red giant phase, and engulf the orbit of the earth. After this event, the universe will continue for at least 10100 years. Well prior to that, Earth’s atmosphere will boil away. Earth will be entirely, 100% destroyed, down to the last molecule, taking humanity with it.
The only way to avoid that fate is to attain star faring capability and get off this rock.
I submit therefore, that while stewardship of our resources is a laudable and necessary thing, that ultimately, our planet is 100% expendable, down to the very last molecule towards the goal of our ultimate escape.
Humanity needs exactly two game changing things: a compact, self contained, potent clean energy source along the lines of the fictional ZPM, and a star drive.
Such items will be the product of freedom, prosperity, and the material application of the intellect of man, and won’t be dropped out of the sky as a result of granola munching Gaia worship.
Nature is pleased to eat us, or kill us in any of a number of lingering, nasty, painful ways.
I say we give the bitch the middle finger and blow this joint. Can I get an “AMEN!”?