“It is important for the human race to spread out into space for the survival of the species,” Hawking said. “Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global warming, nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of.”
The latest from Professor Stephen Hawking.
I find it strange that he doesn’t seem to make the connection between the things that he listed as possible civilization-ending events and the “accomplishments” of humankind. Rather, we’ve destroyed this planet, let’s move on to the next?
Global Warming? Hawking admits human involvement. (CNN interview)
Nuclear war? Human scientists invented weapons to help bring about the end of the world.
Genetic engineering? Manipulation of the genes of living organisms, by humans, for humans!
Dangers we have not yet thought of? Does he mean, not yet thought up? Or have not considered or have not invented?
This position of certain scientists, that we have done so much damage to the planet we are already on that we somehow need (or deserve) another planet, is unbearable to me. Without mentioning the need to correct and repair our mistakes, we “must” go to another place. Without mentioning the elitism and arrogance of the whole idea. Do the scientists think that everyone on Earth, regardless of wealth would be allowed to go to the new, clean planet? Surely, wouldn’t some of the less-desirable elements in society be left behind on the Earth we made? And what happens after that “next” planet is destoyed? Do we just keep moving around, draining the planet’s resources and then leaving?
What does this say about our civilization?
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