Mars may seem like the ultimate frontier, but it’s important to ask ourselves why we are so eager to colonize it. Is it to escape Earth’s problems, or is it to challenge ourselves as a species?
It is not about escaping Earth's problem but naturally and/or eventually, Earth could be destroyed either by the Sun or the humanity ourselves. No matter if we colonized most parts of the Earth or not, it will happen. And if it happen, there could be over crowding and massive energy consumption. Thus making the Earth uninhabitable in the very end.
Not to mention, there's a tiny chance of global nuclear war. Which I hope won't happen.
So, the major premise of colonizing Mars is to ensure the survival of Humanity. And it is not that we are eager about it, it is just that we have to start as soon as possible. And, who's going to do it?
meanwhile, Antartica has a long story of teritorial claims by many countries. It mmay not be permanently inhabitted but there has permanent settlements mainly for scientists and companies. I will leave it to readers to search for it.
That is true, but I was imagining something beyond tiny scientific explorations. Yes, there are indeed potential threats for Earth, but they are mainly created by humans and completely unnecessary. The question is where we will put our time, energy, resources, and money into. There is plenty that needs them here. Yet, we will probably choose something more challenging.
I agree with you, but humans are naturally insatiable and greedy. Especially those who hold immense power.
yeah, it goes the same way for space exploration. I can see there are more people who are interested in exploring Space than our deep ocean and poles. So, maybe it only takes more people who are interested and highly motivated to explore Antarctica.