Will it be Necessary to Get Our Resources from Space?
The answer, as said by some scientists, is yes, “In future, there would probably be need to search for resources outside the planet.” According to the article, “RATIONAL USE OF SPACE RESOURCES TO PROTECT EARTH'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY” from the Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, it states that if action is not taken to prevent further human overpopulation the diversity of Earth will suffer irreversible damage. This therefore is an example of explicit precautionary thinking.
Although some may argue about its effects or even its existence, I believe that the United Nations is justified in saying that irreversible damage will result from our lack of action against overpopulation. The article describes the possible harm that could arise from overpopulation as irreversible damage by the loss of biodiversity and resources; I agree that these consequences are very plausible. It is possible that these consequences can be avoided in other ways however, by using the precautionary principle now and preventing overpopulation, these consequences may be avoided all together.
The precautionary thinking in this case is used to promote action against overpopulation because the consequences are severe and irreversible. Since the article contains the fundamental properties of an argument that uses precaution in an effort to avoid future harm, the article therefore uses the precautionary principle in an effective way.
In Conclusion, the Precautionary Principle is an effective way to approach the issue of overpopulation in this case. The effects of overpopulation are not entirely known but the loss of biodiversity is expected and that is an example of severe, irreversible damage. By taking action now, as suggested in the article, the possibility of harm to our planet and our own species may be avoidable. With this in mind, precautionary thinking is an effective approach in this case.
References:
Author, Unknown. “RATIONAL USE OF SPACE RESOURCES TO PROTECT EARTH'S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY.” The Third United Nations Conference on the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. UNISPACE III, Space Vol. 6. July 21, 1999.
http://www.un.org/events/unispace3/pressrel/e21pm.htm
Accessed, Oct.-19-09.
i totally agree with this article, if overpopulation continues the way it has been we are going to have to look else where because we are using our non renewable resources at an alarmiing rate, and once there gone their not coming back. i wonder if they found usable resouces on other planets if they would build livable settlements up there...expensive, but you never know. rachel great job
ReplyDeleteYou wrote your article really well Rachel and i enjoyed reading it. Although it is a neat concept to get your resources from other planets i do not agree with it at all.
ReplyDeletei think as a race we need to pull our own acts together and deal with the mess we have made here on earth. If we use up all of our resources we either need to find an alternative way to get all of the "things" we need, or suffer the consequences of not having them. We have already messed up planet earth and depleted all of its resources i don't think we have the right to do it to another planet.
that is just my opinion on the subject. as for your post i thought it was well written and had a nice flow. the title caught my attention, and there is most certainly use of the precautionary principle.
good work and nice topic. i love to read stuff like this everyone and a while.