So...the U.N. FINALLY and very quietly ADMITS that the earth is NOT going to be destroyed by Climate Change.

@Thevy29 I LOVE George Carlin!!!

@Barefooter25 If ALL the useless, fake CRAP that AOC BELIEVES were scraped out of her head, the only thing left would be how to make a good cup of coffee.

@4meAndyou Or serve us drinks whenever we are at a bar or a pub. 🍺🍻🍹

@ArishMell They ARE a bit desperate for what they call "rare earth minerals". MOST of our tech requires them, and they are not called "rare" for no reason.

I would say that in 10 years, the first moon base will be established, and regular ferrying of materials will begin. Those are OUR plans. Robots will be used to do the dog work on the moon, since it is so delightful that they don't need to breathe...🤭.

I would imagine robot samplers will be sent far and wide so that future moon miners will know where to dig.

IF all goes as planned, by 2040 we could be ferrying moon minerals back to Earth.

I also know that the first manned Mars mission is planned for the 2030's.

@4meAndyou Oddly the "rare earths" are not really rare. It's viable, accessible deposits of them that are.

I know there is a lot of plannning and hope for these Space ventures, but I reserve judgement on how realistic they are technically, economically and politically; and how likely it is they will happen.


I wonder how easy it will be to find volunteers to visit Mars.

The Moon is one thing: only three days' journey away, and relatively easy to return from.

Mars is far further, taking a very long time each way even with the flights calculated for shortest distances. That increases the risks from various hazards; and I assume those going will expect to come home safely. You could shorten the journey time by considerably accelerating the space-craft once out of Earth's grasp, but that needs extra fuel.

What would they do there anyway? Scientific research, obviously; but that is becoming easier to perform by remotely-controlled machines; and an accident or breakdown might lose a very costly machine but no human life.

Human visitors would need take a lot of food, water and oxygen; and would need be in full space-suits to wander about the planet's surface.

The rocket would need a lot of fuel to take off for the return; although I gather Mars' gravity is weaker than Earth's so perhaps less fuel than on Earth.

@ArishMell Good morning! I am off to the food pantry this morning to pick up food for my neighbors, but I should be back by mid afternoon. Sorry for the delay!

@4meAndyou Exactly!

@ReptilianFromPlanetCrush The MOST important thing to the U.N. is obviously FUNDING politicians everywhere with HUGE FEAR MONEY.

@Musicman That's right...don't let the screaming meanies hear the news...they might have tantrums!!!

@4meAndyou And of course claim Trump made them lie and say that. 😂

@4meAndyou Especially this one.