Fossil fuels have been the most prevalent source of modern energy, but are quickly becoming infeasible for use. In 2014, 95% of transportation fuel and 67% of electricity was produced by fossil fuels in the United States¹. However, in the last 200 years, humanity has consumed enormous amounts of them despite the fact that fossil fuels are nonrenewable natural resources. According to the projection in the graph below, oil will be completely depleted in 2050, gas will be depleted in 2060, and coal will be depleted in 2090². Either a new renewable source of energy (such as hydrogen) will replace fossil fuels in the future, or the solution is elsewhere than earth.
Figure 23
The graph above shows that all current gas, oil, and coal will be consumed by 2088. Yes, more natural resources will be discovered on Earth but this shows that future generations will run out of fuels. We must look to new places for raw materials and ways to stop using the Earth’s materials. This is where Mars can help.
In addition, the Earth’s estimated population has raised half of billion from only five years ago; there are now 7.5 billion people living on this planet4. Humanity may have to face an inevitable truth: the planet will not have enough capacity or resources to support the whole human species. The course of humanity may need to continue on other planets, such as Mars. It is not the best option but is a viable and effective solution..
Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun. It is often referred as the Red Planet due to abundant iron oxide on its surface. Facts about Mars include:5
- The radius of Mars is only about half compared to Earth’s. (3389.5km comparing to 6371 km).
- The average temperature of Mars is -63°C (-82°F).
- The change of temperature can be as drastic as 178°C (321°F).
- About 96% of its atmosphere is carbon dioxide (CO2), the rest of the Martian atmosphere is composed of argon (Ar, 1.93%), nitrogen (N2, 1.89%), oxygen (O2, 0.146%), and carbon monoxide (CO, 0.0557%).
The data from the Phoenix Mars Lander has shown the Martian soil contains essential elements for plants, such as magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride6. Liquid form of water cannot be found on the surface of Mars due to low pressure of its atmosphere, which is only 1% equivalent of Earth’s7. However, liquid and gaseous water can still be held in the atmosphere, while enormous ice is located under solid carbon dioxide caps at the planet’s poles. Because of the less dense atmosphere, harmful radiation from the sun will be striking the surface of the planet, the likes of which would otherwise be absorbed in Earth’s atmosphere.
As a result, the first major challenge of acclimation would be the Martian atmosphere. Not only is its composition toxic, but it cannot protect humans from dangerous radiation. Humans will have to survive in conditions different to that found on Earth. Water and oxygen generation will be essential to making the planet more hospitable.
¹ Institute for Energy Research Staff Writers (2016). Fossil Fuels.
Retrieved December 4, 2016 from
http://instituteforenergyresearch.org/topics/encyclopedia/fossil-fuels/
² Ecotricity Staff Writers (2016). The End Of Fossil Fuels.
Retrieved December 3, 2016 from
https://www.ecotricity.co.uk/our-green-energy/energy-independence/the-end-of-
fossil-fuels
³ Ecotricity Staff Writers.
4 Wikipedia Writers (2016, December 3). Earth.
Retrieved December 4, 2016 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth
5 Wikipedia Writers (2016, December 4). Mars.
Retrieved December 4, 2016 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars
6 Wikipedia Writers (2016, December 4). Life on Mars.
Retrieved December 4, 2016 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_on_Mars
7 Wikipedia Writers (2016, December 2). Water on Mars.
Retrieved December 4, 2016 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_on_Mars