The concept of humanity”s evolution could take a transformative turn as we explore the possibility of colonizing space. This idea is thoroughly examined in Caleb Scharf”s new book, “The Giant Leap: Why Space Is the Next Frontier in the Evolution of Life.” Scharf, an author and senior scientist in astrobiology at NASA Ames Research Center, argues that our journey to the moon, Mars, and beyond is a continuation of life”s long evolutionary path.
Scharf discusses the concept of “dispersal,” which refers to life extending far beyond its original habitat. This phenomenon is observable on Earth, where species adapt to new environments and evolve into multiple forms. He suggests that if humanity becomes a spacefaring species, the vastness of space will inevitably drive changes in our biology and potentially lead to the emergence of new human species.
When asked about the challenges of surviving in space, Scharf points out that evolution is not a predetermined process. He notes that just as life adapted from the ocean to land, humanity may find ways to thrive in extraterrestrial environments, despite the apparent difficulties. He emphasizes that technology is a crucial adaptive trait, allowing us to construct environments suited for survival, similar to how termites and birds modify their surroundings.
Reflecting on the future, Scharf acknowledges that the sun will eventually become inhospitable to life on Earth, prompting the need for humanity to seek refuge in other star systems. However, he expresses uncertainty about the feasibility of reaching these distant worlds within a human lifetime, given our current technological limitations.
Scharf argues that the advancements in mathematics, physics, and chemistry over the past millennia have laid the groundwork for space exploration. He believes this “ecosystem” of knowledge is both a product and a catalyst of evolution, as it has enabled human-like intelligence to develop, albeit at a precarious juncture in our species” timeline.
The Apollo 11 moon landing is highlighted as a pivotal moment in human history, yet since the end of the Apollo program in 1972, human exploration beyond Earth orbit has stagnated. Scharf contends that while the Apollo missions accomplished their immediate goals, they did not establish a long-term framework for ongoing exploration.
As humanity faces the prospect of leaving Earth, questions arise about our responsibility to carry other forms of life with us. Scharf believes that we would need to transport elements of our microbiome and some food species, suggesting that a cubic kilometer of Earth”s surface, with all its life, could serve as a viable life support system.
With the global population exceeding 8.1 billion, the practicalities of space colonization lead to reflections on who would embark on this journey. Scharf theorizes that this would likely occur over an extended period, allowing a small number of pioneers to inhabit asteroids or other celestial bodies while future generations could choose between staying on Earth or venturing into space.
When it comes to overcoming inherent tribalism for collective action in space colonization, Scharf”s views fluctuate, reflecting a blend of hope and skepticism about humanity”s future.
