In Colonizing Mars may require humanity to tweak its DNA by Mike Wall of Space.com, there is a debate about whether humans should terraform the planet of Mars to suit human survival. The side for this argument says that terraforming Mars is safer for humans and more productive. Also, if this technology works on Mars, it could be used to terraform other planets as well. The argument against it says that, as we don’t fully understand what Mars’ ecosystem is like, it would be safer to wait until we understand it before we drastically alter it.
I believe that we should fully comprehend Mars’ ecosystem before we make a decision as drastic and as far-reaching as redesigning an entire planet. Humans have explored Earth for centuries and we still don’t know everything about our own planet. Presently, less than one percent of Mars’ surface has been explored, and that doesn’t include the subterranean features. To act before we comprehend what Mars has to offer would be a major misstep with astronomical consequences that might be irreversible.
Across the board, terraforming Mars right now will be unrealistic, but with enough knowledge and improvements to technology, we will be able to objectively say whether terraforming Mars would be a good idea. Humans have always made decisions with enough knowledge of the consequences of their actions, and this should be the same.
