/sci/ - Science & Math

How soon do you guys think humanity will establish a self-sustainable colony on Mars? Here's one interesting, albeit very optimistic scenario that I found.

2016:
The United States, Russian Federation, and China lead the world in space technologies and exploration. Eight
countries (Russia, Ukraine, United States, Japan, China, India, Israel and Iran) and one regional organization (the
European Space Agency, ESA) control over 1,100 active satellites in outer space. Dozens of other countries begin
to invest in the development of space programs and research. The demilitarization of the solar system is a priority
in international legislation, as terrorism and violent social oppression on Earth characterize the latter part of the
decade.

2023:
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reach 450 parts per million (ppm) and push global temperatures to 2 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Sea levels rise, and many small island nations are forced to seek refuge on
continental coasts. Global warming is beginning to reveal long term mental and physical health effects on the
inhabitants of Earth.

2025:
Farming practices are discovered and developed that allow crop growth in oxygen-deprived climates. New
technology is designed to support human life in these same climates, but is expensive to manufacture. Developing
countries begin to fear they are being left behind in the race to space, and several ally with surrounding nations to
assist in long term development goals by providing the little natural resources that are left on Earth.