Complex Relationship with Nature: Humanity has always had a complex relationship, often viewing itself as separate from or against nature, despite being a part of it.
Manipulation of Environment: Through fire, agriculture, and civilization, humans mold Earth's environment to suit their needs.
Replication Challenge: Is it possible to replicate Earth's ecosystems?
Biosphere 2
Location: Middle of Arizona desert.
Size: 3.14-acre research facility designed to mimic Earth's natural systems.
Biosphere 1: Earth itself.
John Adams: Deputy Director of Biosphere 2, part of the University of Arizona.
Founders: Space Biosphere Ventures led by billionaire Ed Bass in 1987.
Purpose: Demonstrate feasibility of space colonization by recreating Earth's ecological systems.
Missions and Challenges
First Mission (1991-1993):
Biospherians: Eight people sealed for 2 years.
Issues: Oxygen levels dropped, plant and animal die-offs, food shortages, group rift, and media scrutiny.
Second Mission (1994):
Fixed some issues but faced management disputes.
Mission ended early due to sabotage.
Continuing Research
Ongoing Experiments: Focus on understanding Earth's systems and addressing blind spots in our knowledge.
Ecosystems in Biosphere 2
Five Biomes: Rainforest, Ocean, Savannah, Mangrove Wetland, Fog Desert, plus agricultural and living areas.
Evolving Ecosystems: Thriving for over 20 years.
Technical Infrastructure: Includes air circulation (Air Handlers) and unique features like the Lung to manage air pressure changes.
Major Studies and Discoveries
CO2 Levels and Ocean Acidification: Large-scale demonstration of ocean acidification's impact on coral reefs.
Landscape Evolution Observatory: World's largest Earth Sciences experiment to study water flow through soil.
Future Research and Applications
Lunar Greenhouse: Model for bior regenerative life support systems to support human life in space.