What If the Earth Is Depleted in Resources - Essay Example

Part As the Earth is depleted in resources, and none of the available options within the problem include finding ways to maintain life of somefrom on Earth, we need to think about the assumptions we are making to solve our problem: look elsewhere besides Eden2; or approach Eden2 either as diplomats or an invasion force In all of these scenarios we need to make the assumption that the populations we approach are at least humanoid enough for us to communicate with them on some level. If we are unable to establish some form of communication with others 'out there', there option of diplomatic advancement becomes extremely constrained. Hence, it is highly unlikely that we would be able to colonize any other planet. If we assume that the population of Eden2 can be communicated with, then it is in our best interest to take a diplomatic approach. By virtue of our assumption that they may be more technologically advanced then Earth, it would be illogical for us to choose invasion. The odds are we would be stopped, or eliminated from existence. Either way we do not leave a good impression of our species with the population of Eden2. Alternatively they may have evolved a society that is non-violent or even pacifist; however, it would be illogical to think that they would not have defences of some sort, especially given their advancement in technology. For example, they may have an impenetrable barrier around the planet or their places of dwelling; or firepower that is activated by too close an approach to their planet or dwelling; or they may be able to disarm their foe by way of being able to phase-shift (i.e. become invisible). Hence, we would need to approach in a friendly manner, take a slightly submissive role as guests in their part of the galaxy who looking for somewhere to live. We could assume that the population of Eden2 would want something in exchange for allowing us to colonize their planet, regardless of how friendly we are. As they may have more advanced technology it is unlikely that we would have much to offer in exchange. Alternatively, They may want something from us that we do not want to give, which leaves a lot to the imagination and calls into question many other assumptions that are better elucidated in my next sci-fi book (assuming my first gets published!). However, the idea that another species would engage in Earth behaviours such as reciprocity, 'scratch my back I'll scratch yours', or 'survival of the fittest', is purely a human concept. As we are currently unable to, and most of us not interested in, communication with the myriad of species we now co-habit with, we are unable to conceive of different ways of negotiating or problem-solving. We have only our human perspective as the frame of reference from which to draw on, and so likely we are projecting our human concepts onto another species. Given their probable higher levels of technology we could assume that they have advanced sociological systems as well, seeing as they have not used up all the natural resources on their planet, nor are nearing extermination of themselves through technology advancement. Although, from an Earth perspective, we have no evidence to support the assumption that advanced technology will ensures survival, given our present predicament. In the short-term, Earthlings can look forward to an extended life-span as compared to 100 years ago, thanks to technologic advancement. However, we also have decreased fertility rates and rising 'grey' populations in the West; overpopulation and appalling poverty in 'developing' nations; as well as mass species extinction and ecological breakdowns; pollution, depleted natural resources and global warming. The evidence suggests that advancements in our technology will not ensure our survival. Assuming that Eden2 has advanced socially, we could assume that they would be open to diplomatic negotiations regarding our colonization of their planet. Being socially advanced they would need to have ways of accommodating other cultures. A broad example would be a comparison of Earth's Western values of multiculturalism with first nation's traditional 'closed-system' approach to outsiders. Large scale societies require social practices that incorporate differences and tolerances of others, whereas small scale societies ensure their survival by way of family or kin networks that help to identify 'others' who may threaten limited resources. Thus, it could be assumed that diplomatic negotiations with Eden2 would have a good to high probability of success, and to we should approach and ask if we can co-habit with them. Although it must be kept in mind, that due to our lack of faster than light (FTL) technology that the transport to Eden2 would take over 100 years, which is three generations of humans. Hence, our representatives that arrive for diplomatic negotiations would not in fact be Earthlings, as they would have not experienced our culture as we experience it today, they could not even be considered terrestrial. Their culture would be one of space and it is unlikely that the ones that arrive at Eden2 would even have known somebody who had once inhabited Earth. In this case, it may be feasible for 'Earthlings' to settle down within another solar system, as all exploding stars provide the raw material necessary to produce energy, with which to produce oxygen, water, food and materials to repair the ships. The 'Earthlings' may become nomadic, or if they decide to settle down would perhaps do best in the solar system Earth is a part of, seeing as we are confident that no one else inhabits it with us, to date, and so competition for resources would be low or non-existent. As such, the 'Earthlings' have a Plan B if negotiations do not go well with Eden2, and so could look elsewhere. Ultimately, neither solution to the problem involves invasion. Also, it appears feasible that the 'Earthlings' stand a good chance of colonizing Eden2. However, it could be argued that if we on Earth now had the foresight to plan so far ahead (i.e., to build transport ships, populate them and provide sustenance and power sources, and launch them), making great unselfish gestures in ignoring our 'wants' of today for a viable human future, that we would not actually be in the situation we would have to jettison to other planet. Why would we bother to think so far ahead about the future of our species, our children, if we do exactly the opposite now (low wages for teachers and nursing staff, species extinction, global warming etc.). To be at a point where we would plan so carefully for a viable future, would necessitate that we were not in that situation in the first place. Presently, we do not appear to be a species that would pool resources, give up 'what I want now', and use the last of our energy, to provide for a viable future for those who are to come. Those who would theoretically start the preparations would most likely not even live long enough to see the launch of the transport ships. How many people on Earth now, would give up the last few years they had of McDonalds, plasma screens and 'that new iPod', for a future that they are not going to be a part of. We are in the mess that has led to our current problem, because we don't care about our children, or our future as a species - 'I'm all right, Jack!' Part 2 Assuming that a more technologically advance species would travel to Earth to seek colonization negotiations with a planet that is dying itself, we should welcome them. We could assume that those who are opposed to the idea of alien cohabitation are not those in political power, as those who are in power would likely be focused on the weapons technology that those from Eden2 could provide. The opposition is likely coming from people who would be expected to 'sacrifice' their resources - i.e., the common people. However, it is likely that with the colonization of Eden2 to our planet many of our fears regarding dwindling resources could be negated. All they would need is a foothold, such as being allowed to settle down, and then they could, if they wished, drip feed us technological knowledge regarding weaponry, and inundate us with more productive ways of creating energy that did not deplete what we had. It is ironic that this situation would present the Western cultures of Earth with a scenario not unlike what capitalism forces have imposed on fist nations: We've used up all our natural resource, here's some money, now let us use yours. In turn, if Eden2 co-inhabitants chose not to share some forms of technology with us, it is not unlike present issues with Iran wishing to use nuclear power as an energy source for the survival of its people, and those in the West saying no, you can't be trusted with such technology. Our political leaders allowing Eden2 to colonize, and to share in limited resources, is quite similar to the peoples of Brazil and Papua New Guinea who log their own forests, or alternatively allow Western capitalist corporations to do it for them, and reap the profits from it. As such, the population of Eden2 could contribute positively to our re-thinking the way we currently engage with each other and our planet. However, as their planet already has dwindling resources, it can be assumed that their species is very much like us, and advancements in technology have not assured their survival, rather have enhanced their possible extinction. So that we could assume that, like us, the Eden2 population is not overly concerned with its survival as a species otherwise they would not be in the position they are in at the moment. Also, that it is likely that between us, as two species, we could even speed up the extinction of ourselves collectively, as we appear to be so similar in mind set. The dominant issue in the current problem is that the population of Eden2 can be assumed to have grater firepower than is currently available on Earth, and that it would be illogical for us to encourage them to use it against us, as they would most likely win. Perhaps a compromise could be reached, in that we could negotiate for them to live within our solar system and that we would provide support, as we could, in exchange for technology. We would not want them in orbit around our planet as they have superior firepower, and to date we do not have efficient means of building, launching and navigating ships that could intercept or invade their vessels. It is to be assumed that Eden2 have come to our solar system because we are the closest to their planet. However, due to their technology it is also likely that they are able to fare better in space than we are ourselves. As such, Eden2 could take residence near the rings of Saturn for example, where there is an abundance of asteroid materials for mining of raw metals. Collaboration with Earth could provide them with resources such as salt-water for refinement to fresh water, and plant species so they could produce their own oxygen. The diplomats of the two species could 'day-trip' to each others place of dwelling to exchange resources and technology, and learn about each other. Ideally we would work together towards a common good that ensured the survival of both species, focusing on the re-balancing of Earth's life systems so that we would be in a better position to support another species which would be using many resources that we use ourselves. Alternatively, we could find ways to pool our resources so that other planets within our solar system could provide viable habitats, and provide both species with a wider choice on where to live. Ultimately though, given the metaphors of this scenario in our present times, and the assumption that Eden2 is in its present predicament because they think so much like our species, I think it most likely that Eden2 would take advantage of their more powerful position. That is, for 'the greater good' they choose to invade us. It is likely they would see our species as nearer to self-extermination than their own, especially given our over-population and our lack of food to accommodate this population. I think that they would use their greater fire power to take control of our planet, as they would have a 'survival of the fittest' value system, though obviously not Darwinian in character. As such, it is likely that their value system also has capitalist overtones, though they would call it something different to capitalism. So that, they would approach the situation in a very dichotic manner - there has to be a winner and a loser or one of us is better than the other. Hence, I don't think they would have any problem exterminating us, or at least making us the subordinate species, which is quite likely as we would be able to enhance their standard of living by being their slaves or something akin to this class. It would not surprise me if they saw fit to control our breeding, perhaps rendering us infertile, and subsequently making the choices for us of who can procreate (i.e., who is the best breeding stock), as we obviously cannot make these decisions for ourselves. Eden2 would likely not have a moral dilemma about invading, exterminating or making us subordinates, for if their values are akin to capitalism (which it is assumed are because they have destroyed their planet), then they would see us as inferior to them, especially, given our lack of technological advancement in comparison to them. In conclusion, I think we should turn them away, because no amount of money (i.e. technology) can compensate for the further depletion of natural resources. However, I think that when we send them on their way it be as a compromise, that is agreeing for them to colonise within our solar system (although we would be unable to stop them anyway) in the hopes that we could work together as two species to benefit ourselves as a whole. Then I would suggest we prepare to defend the Earth as best we could, because if they think like us, they will see it as their right to invade, and to survive. Read More