Re:Next Step (Score 1)

Well, its perhaps not so much that we're using them up, as it is we're polluting them up. Many of the most environmentally damaging activities are related to mining various minerals, most of which can be found on the moon. By shifting these industries to a place where pollution is irrelevant (because there's no life to disrupt), we are far more likely to help save ourselves. And yes OIL is a problem, mainly because we WILL run out, not to mention the deleterious effect burning fossil fuels has on the environment. The moon is a rich source of Helium-3, which is a fuel for nuclear fusion. The power needs of the earth can easily be met by mining the moon. Not to mention that is a great place to carry out dangerous research (biomedical, etc.) We need a settlement on the moon. It is inevitable.