Rockets, Resources, and Responsibility: The Cost of “Progress”

The recent explosion of Elon Musk’s Starship rocket highlights more than just the risks of space exploration. It underscores the staggering cost of such endeavors and the ethical questions they raise when compared to the humanitarian crises we face right here on Earth.

Estimates suggest that the cost of a single Starship launch ranges from $2 to $10 billion, depending on its mission. Imagine what those funds could achieve if redirected toward solving the urgent problems that affect millions every day:

1. Housing: With homelessness surging across North America, the funds from just one failed rocket launch could build thousands of affordable housing units. In British Columbia alone, where the housing crisis is critical, this money could transform lives, providing stability and dignity to countless families.

2. Food Security: Global hunger remains a pressing issue, with millions relying on food banks to survive. A fraction of these billions could establish sustainable food programs, community gardens, and innovative farming solutions to ensure no one goes to bed hungry.

3. Healthcare and Education: Addressing basic healthcare and educational needs could empower generations, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating a world where everyone has the chance to thrive.

While technological advancements like SpaceX’s aim to benefit humanity in the long term, they come at an enormous cost. We’re pouring billions into projects that may never succeed, while the most basic needs of people on this planet go unmet. Shouldn’t humanity prioritize alleviating present suffering before reaching for the stars?

The Ants Analogy

Think of humanity as ants on the surface of Mother Earth. We’re small, yet our relentless activity—building, consuming, and polluting—is overwhelming her. Like when you leave a sticky spoon on the table and return to find it swarmed with ants, Earth has grown tired of our incessant disruption.

What do you do when faced with that scene? Most of us grab a bucket of water and wash the ants away—it’s the fastest, simplest solution. Mother Earth is doing the same. Through floods, fires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, she’s reclaiming her space, resetting the balance we’ve upset.

But here’s the difference: We are intelligent ants. We have the ability to see what’s happening and choose a different path. Rather than racing to “progress” at all costs, we can work together to build a sustainable future—one where everyone has a home, enough to eat, and access to opportunities.

It’s not too late to listen to Earth’s warnings. If we unite, focusing our resources on healing and collaboration, we can stop being a nuisance and start being stewards. The choice is ours: keep pushing until Mother Earth wipes us away or pause, rethink, and work together to create a world where everyone, including Earth herself, can thrive.