Save Space for Later

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                Earth's surface is seventy percent ocean and to this day humans have only explored less than five percent of it. As a species that has inhabited the world for thousands of years we know little to nothing about the oceans that cover our world. Recently there has been new research to understand the effect the ocean has on our planet and how polluting it has effected our environment and the creatures that inhabit it. But more recently there has been an interest in other worldly things such as the ninth planet in the solar system as well as our neighboring planet Mars, and with that interest there has been speculation on why we spend so much exploring beyond our planet when we know so little about our own. In CNN's article "Mars Can Wait. Oceans Can't" the author, Amitai Etzioni, talks about how the oceans play a crucial role in both science and medical advancements. 

              Etzioni begins with the technological argument. She highlights how "Ninety percent of the ocean floor has not even been charted, and while we have been to the moon, the technology to explore the ocean's floors is still being developed". I must admit that it is a bit absurd how we have the means to travel beyond our planet, but not into our own. With that being said though, humans have always fought through adversity when there is an incentive, and only recently have humans had any incentive to explore the oceans, a place just as inhabitable as outer space. Had there been an ocean counter part to the space race I bet there may be technology today for humans to explore the depths with. A large portion of the serge for advancements in ocean tech has been related to climate and advancements in medicine.

            Etzioni brings up that the importance of new technology comes with our little understanding of the ocean and its role on our climate as well as organism use to help cure disease. In the article the author states, "The oceans play a major role in controlling our climate. But we have not learned yet how to use them to cool us off rather than contribute to our overheating. Ocean organisms are said to hold the promise of cures for an array of diseases". Climate change has been a major issue as of late and scientists searching for evidence are looking to the oceans. This years El Nino could have played a crucial role in this years hectic Winter, with weather ranging from normal lows to all time highs. Medicine as well has shown need of enhancement as new viruses and diseases find their way to the U.S. With all of these issues revolving around the ocean it may be time to set aside the space program and explore more of our home. Though I am one to advocate for space exploration, there is not much use in the search if we cannot survive long enough on Earth to make it practical. All in all I believe there is a sufficient argument against space exploration, however, I do not think that means exploration should be shut down, just slowed while funds go towards more urgent issues. 

Future Research: Expert opinions on the issue as well as economics.