Let's Build a Space City in the World

In recent times, the idea of space cities has taken a place on the agenda of scientists. Since the publication of the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, approximately two hundred and fifty years have passed, and today we possess many technologies that were once mere fantasies. It therefore seems possible that the concept of space cities could one day become reality. However, as a teacher trained in biology, psychology, and philosophy, I wonder: Should we not first create space cities on Earth? This depends entirely on the human factor. Because today, the greatest challenge facing both space cities and our planet is sustainability. Therefore, the most important point we must consider is the sustainability of human life. Let us together engage in a brainstorming session as we read this text and reexamine our own lives.

In fact, we are trying to keep pace with the rush of modern life: in the morning we go to school or work, and in the evening we deal with dinner, ironing, and other tasks. Perhaps this is a misdefinition of sustainability. You might say, “I am sustainable—I have adapted to this fast-paced era.” Yet most people are unhappy, and this condition only intensifies the problems in metropolitan areas. So what should we do? It is well known that space research has accelerated in recent years. But my current suggestion is this: let us build space cities on Earth. What do I mean by this?

Our goal should be to teach the concept of sustainability to all people—not only the general public, but also employees and managers in private and public institutions. This concept invites us to open the doors to the green magic of our planet. Today, no one is unaware that oxygen is provided by green vegetation. Therefore, our task is to expand this understanding. To do so, we need research, inquiry, and science. While relying on science, we may also require value management and metaphysics. If, while acquiring this knowledge, we begin to take notes, our sense of ego—our sense of ownership—will gradually give way to eco-consciousness. In this way, we create a new learning approach for the next generation, one that gradually makes us sustainable. Of course, this process is not easy. Yet today there are many projects related to this goal. Rather than searching for another world, we need to manage our time better and make our lives more sustainable. One essential requirement is to make science more accessible and popular among the public—so that everyone can understand. When we add philosophy to this, our broader perspective and personal viewpoint reinforce our eco-consciousness. Individuals who possess eco-consciousness will contribute to social homeostasis—that is, social balance—in society. Social balance can be achieved through the formation of individual identity and meaningful connections with others. This is the first step toward eco-consciousness.

Today, human interference in nature is increasing steadily, and the degradation of nature is worsening the state of our planet. If we aim first to improve our Earth, we will make our living environment and ourselves sustainable. If today’s children are born with eco-consciousness, transforming the world becomes possible. The real need here is to increase efforts to learn about nature. Only then can children acquire eco-consciousness at an early age and adapt to sustainability throughout their lives. For this reason, students must be exposed to nature from childhood. If so, we must begin with schools. Existing projects must be expanded in scope and adequately resourced.

If we do not make our existing living environment sustainable, I would say it is still too early to speak of eco-consciousness. Yet we are members of nature—not its owners. When we strive to place ourselves above nature, we become obsessed with possessing everything. In such a state, ego-consciousness can never transform into eco-consciousness. Eco-consciousness, however, is directly tied to making our world sustainable. Of course, space research is extremely valuable. But now is the time for us to turn our attention inward. Otherwise, we may end up creating space cities populated by humans who are struggling with value conflicts and searching for happiness in outer space—a problem that is already one of the greatest challenges facing our world today.

If we attempt to build space cities on Earth, this will require us to see ourselves not as owners of nature but as its members. For this, all people need to develop a deeper understanding of nature. If we wish to know our planet more intimately, we must explore it through science and metaphysics alike—that is, we must question existence itself in relation to the universe and human being. As technology advances and this inquiry progresses, humanity can discover truths and apply them beneficially through ethical values. We may then become part of a world we no longer seek to possess through war and conflict. When such conflicts diminish, creating a more sustainable world becomes possible.

Starting from eco-consciousness, we can continue our journey by studying and discovering living organisms. Understanding them leads us to new discoveries and allows us to further improve existing systems. Closer examination of life forms, through concepts such as biomimicry and bioremediation, can help us model and utilize nature to create new kinds of space cities on Earth. Biomimicry—the imitation of nature—enables us to generate innovative models. Using these models and applying bioremediation, we can produce cleaner energy. Exploring nature is equivalent to generating infinite new models. The meaning we assign to these discoveries brings us closer to eco-consciousness and further away from ego-consciousness.