I think it's clear that our planet will inevitably become inhabitable, so why are we staying here?

It would be ignorant to say that Humans can live on this planet forever unharmed by the ever changing planet and solar system, the current events in japan should remove all doubt. it is clear that other species, not only humans, have inhabited the planet and were shot down to extinction or close to it before. with all this knowledge clearly present and in our face, and with technology so available, i find it aggravating that our space exploration is limited by any means. human space exploration might seem suicidal, and in reality it almost is - but what did the first explorers think when they got on their ships and headed off for the horizon, unsure of what they would find if anything. im certain that there wouldn't be a shortage of people who wouldn't mind being sent in a space pod in a random direction or to a specific destination. these pods could be aimed at creating a small ecosystem inside much like the ones you made in elementary school with the guppy and the plant.

one of the reasons we dont do things like this is really just cost. who will fund such a precarious mission to what seems to be infinite? why is our research and exploration abilities limited to the generosities or wealthy men? if there were 1000 space pods that could support small groups of human life for several years while propelling through space, im sure there would be WAVES of people willing to go despite the odds. the fact that we're all gathered up as one race on one planet in one solar system bugs me and im absolutely sure we have the technology to achieve otherwise. lets spread out! we should encourage all humans to explore new depths claiming them for humanity, not a country. if a japanese man made a huge planetary discovery then by all means we should congratulate japan on creating a magnificent human that could contribute so much to humanity.

on a side note, i really think we should begin using more open methods of problem solving in the world, not particularly in disaster situations but everywhere. when the reactors in japan were overheating, why were they not 100% honest and giving in every bit of information possible? im sure if they posted the entire situation on a website and constantly had it updated accepting and reviewing submissions from people all over the world then problems would be solved in amazingly unique and creative ways beyond anything we've ever seen. every human mind is waiting to create the next masterpiece, its just that nobody wants to give anyone a chance.