Exercising the Green Imagination

At times eco-minded people lack the imagination of the generation of John F. Kennedy, who boldly announced to the world that before the new decade America would put a man on the moon. There is abundant water in Europa – more water than on all the Earth – so why shouldn’t humans go?

According to Physorg.com, Europa – one of the moons of Jupiter - contains about twice as much water beneath its surface as all of the Earth’s oceans. Callisto, another of Jupiter’s moons, and Enceladus, a moon of Saturn, are also believed to have bodies of water beneath their surfaces. In a time of growing concern over the Earth’s existing water supplies, it is a good idea to further explore these huge sources of water.

Life on Europa is certainly possible, but it would be extremely cold. At the poles, it can be as cold as –200 C. The lowest temperature on Antarctica is –89 C. Both environments are so harsh that humans cannot survive outside. Further, there is no air on Europa.

Despite the extreme conditions, survival on Europa is obviously possible. First, protection from the vacuum is necessary. Some type of human-made dwelling would be necessary. Nuclear power could provide energy. Water ice is abundant, and that can be converted to water. Oxygen can be extracted from the water. For food, a greenhouse with artificial grow lights could be used.

Most importantly, exploration of other water sources would create another potential place for people to migrate. World population will soon reach 7 billion. Were large numbers of people able to move to other places like Europa – a scenario not currently likely but certainly technically feasible – it would create a release valve of sorts for the dire problem of overcrowding on Earth.

A decreasing population on the Earth without war makes many of the doomsday forecasts less likely. It makes preservation of the environment much easier. It tends to reduce carbon emissions and makes Al Gore a happy camper. It would improve the environment. Why shouldn’t humans go?