Science Fiction-Inspired Ecology Paradigm Shift - Part I
Mankind’s future in space… our physical presence in the galaxy… these subjects inspire conflicting views, and a clashing of ideologies. So how will our future in space develop?
I like to consider the foresight in the imaginative works of hard science fiction set in the near future, by such authors as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Ben Bova, Kim Stanley Robinson, Stephen Baxter, and A.E. Van Vogt. They have all probed many of the conflicting issues that we face as we struggle to retain the title of “space age”. It will be interesting to see what parallels develop between these “novel ideas” and our actual near-future experience!
Scenes from Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Red Mars”
One of the many issues we face today is the advancement of man’s “city” habitat upon natural surroundings. Unfortunately, the short-minded desire for wealth combined with a low regard for stabile ecology still drives such development; but slowly, more and more people are finding themselves raising objections to the destruction of natural earth. This has been a noticeable shift in recent times, and awareness of environmental impact is now much greater. Yet, is this awareness leading us to a revolutionary change in policy that can turn the tide? We will all find out in the very near future…
© Dr. Wez The Epsilon Foundation 2008
Sometimes we need to shift what is imagined in science fiction to reality, as those that imagine and dream are those that make things happen and change the world for a better tommorrow. The equilibrium that would be created would allow humans and our planet to gain longevity in co-existence.
Jake said this on 8 May, 2008 at 11:03 pm