Factually! with Adam Conover

Why You Don't Actually Want to Live on Mars with Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

Nov 15, 2023

Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, authors of A City on Mars, discuss the practicalities and challenges of becoming a space-faring species, the risks of having babies in space, the arguments for space colonization, the importance of space safety, the concept of ownership in space, the management of international commons, and the unrealistic promises of settling Mars.

01:02:05

Episode guests

Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Establishing a self-sustaining settlement on Mars would require generations of work and face numerous technical and ethical challenges.

Space colonization serves as a prestigious display of national power and technological advancements, but it can also lead to geopolitical tensions and conflicts over limited resources.

Space colonization presents challenges such as limited resources, reproduction and child development concerns, potential environmental damages, and conflicts over lunar territories.

Deep dives

Space colonization as a long-term backup plan for humanity

One of the best arguments for space colonization is that it could serve as a long-term backup plan for humanity. Advocates like Elon Musk propose establishing a settlement on Mars to ensure the survival of the human species in case of a catastrophic event on Earth. However, experts caution that making Mars self-sustaining would take generations of work and face numerous technical and ethical challenges. While the idea of securing a future for humanity on another planet holds some merit, it should be approached slowly and carefully to ensure the safety and viability of potential settlements.

Introduction

4min

Challenges of Having Babies in Space

22min

Arguments for Space Colonization and Settlement

8min

The Dangers of Independent Actors in Space and Protecting Personal Data

4min

Ownership and Territories in Space: Drawing Parallels with Antarctica

2min

Antarctic Treaty and International Commons

23min

Techno Utopianism, Overselling Space, and Settling Mars

5min

The prospect of human life on Mars, once a science fiction fantasy, now seems increasingly plausible. But does actually warrant being anything other than a fantasy? This week, Adam speaks with Dr. Kelly and Zach Weinersmith, authors of A City on Mars, to discuss the practicalities of becoming a space-faring species, the challenges that lie ahead, and whether it's even a good idea to begin with. Find Zach and Kelly's book at factuallypod.com/books

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