Will Humans Need Spacesuits on Earth in the Future?

As we continue to mishandle our planet, we are on a trajectory that might eventually necessitate donning spacesuits even within our home environment. The question is, what kind of future environmental challenges could lead us to such a dire situation?

Challenges Causing the Need for Spacesuits

Increased pollution from fossil-fuel powered vehicles poses a significant threat. As these vehicles belch out toxins and particulates, the air will become toxic to a degree that it can no longer sustain life. The higher evaporation rates of ocean water, driven by the increase in temperatures, will alter atmospheric pressure and create a hostile environment for living organisms.

The depletion of the ozone layer will leave our planet vulnerable to increased UV radiation. Without protection, even prolonged exposure can lead to serious health issues, making it almost impossible to survive in such conditions without the necessary protective gear.

The Role of Spacesuits

Spacesuits are designed to protect against the rigors of the vacuum of space and extreme heat or cold. They are not meant to address the compound effects of exorbitant pollution and environmental degradation as we have on Earth.

Current spacesuits are bulky, limiting movement and slowing down an individual's momentum, much like trying to move around underwater. Their design does not factor in extended use in a polluted, pressurized, and temperature-altered atmosphere.

Potential Extinction Scenario

Should the worst-case environmental disaster occur, effectively eliminating Earth’s atmosphere, spacesuits could potentially be the last line of defense. However, the scenario is dire.

Imagine the entire planet devoid of air and atmosphere, immediate loss of oxygen, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Under these conditions, plants and animals would die off rapidly, leaving us without a food source or safe drinking water. The weather would become catastrophic, causing unparalleled destruction.

Wearing spacesuits would only extend humanity's lifespan by a matter of weeks at most, providing crucial time to research and implement more robust solutions. This underscores the critical need for advanced technologies and proactive measures to safeguard our environment.

Conclusion

While the prospect of wearing spacesuits on Earth is unsettling, it highlights the precarious state of our planet. The need for such extreme measures serves as a stark warning to humanity to address environmental issues before it's too late.

It's crucial to develop technologies and strategies to mitigate the risks of such disasters and ensure a sustainable future for all life on Earth.