For decades, governments worldwide, particularly the United States, have allocated trillions of dollars to foreign wars, often under the banner of national security and promoting democracy. Yet, there is another frontier much closer to home, one teeming with mysteries, untapped resources, and unknown species—the ocean. Despite covering 71% of Earth's surface, only about 20% of the seafloor has been mapped. Instead of spending vast sums on distant conflicts, we should be investing in exploring our oceans. Before we set our sights on other planets, it makes sense to first understand the one we live on.

The Ocean: Earth's Final Frontier

Despite being an integral part of life on Earth, we know shockingly little about the ocean's depths. Scientists estimate that up to 80% of the ocean remains unexplored, with entire ecosystems hidden miles beneath the surface. Unknown species, potential medical breakthroughs, and clues to Earth’s climatic past are waiting to be uncovered. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has revealed that the ocean holds more biodiversity than all the land ecosystems combined. Yet, less than a fraction of the funding allocated to space exploration or military campaigns has been invested in ocean research.

Consider this: the U.S. spends approximately $877 billion annually on defense, while NASA’s annual budget sits at roughly $25 billion. In contrast, NOAA, the leading U.S. agency responsible for studying the oceans, received just $6 billion in 2023. The disparity is staggering, especially when considering the ocean’s vast potential as a resource and the role it plays in global ecosystems.

Why the Ocean Matters

The ocean is more than just a source of food and a highway for global trade. It regulates Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and distributing heat through its currents. Marine ecosystems support biodiversity and influence weather patterns. Moreover, the deep sea holds vast mineral deposits, including manganese, nickel, and rare earth metals, which are vital for the tech industry.

Medicines derived from marine organisms have already been used to treat cancer, pain, and infections. With so much of the deep sea still uncharted, who knows what medical marvels or renewable resources lie undiscovered in its depths? Shifting our financial priorities toward ocean exploration could not only lead to technological advancements but also provide solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing issues, from climate change to sustainable energy.

The Contrast with Space Exploration

Space exploration captivates the imagination, offering the possibility of colonizing other planets and traveling beyond our solar system. However, before we reach for the stars, perhaps we should consider conquering the mysteries of our own planet first. Space may offer exciting possibilities, but Earth's oceans might hold the keys to solving many of our current challenges.

Both space and the ocean are incredibly difficult to explore, requiring cutting-edge technology. However, the technologies developed for deep-sea exploration can also benefit future space missions. Submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) designed for extreme pressure environments at the bottom of the ocean can be adapted for use on other planets. For instance, NASA's Ocean Worlds Exploration Program draws heavily from underwater technology as they search for life on moons like Europa and Enceladus, which may have vast oceans beneath their icy surfaces.

So, before we invest further in space, should we not first understand the alien worlds in our own oceans?

The Financial Imbalance

The cost of wars, especially long-term military engagements, is astronomical. The U.S. war in Afghanistan, for example, is estimated to have cost over $2 trillion. These wars leave a legacy of destruction, debt, and human suffering. In contrast, ocean exploration is a peaceful pursuit that benefits all of humanity. If even a fraction of military spending were redirected to ocean research, we could revolutionize our understanding of Earth and its natural systems.

Investing billions into exploring the ocean could lead to countless benefits. For one, it could support the development of renewable energy technologies, such as harnessing wave or tidal power. It could also enable us to better understand and mitigate the effects of climate change. By studying the ocean's role in carbon sequestration, we might develop strategies to slow global warming.

The Untapped Potential of the Deep Sea

We’ve barely scratched the surface of what the ocean can teach us. Some scientists believe that discovering more about the deep sea could even provide solutions for sustainable food sources, given the increasing stress on global agriculture. Additionally, the deep sea’s resources could play a critical role in the future of energy and mining industries.

The more we understand about Earth's oceans, the better equipped we are to tackle global problems such as rising sea levels, collapsing fisheries, and the rapid decline of marine biodiversity. A more profound investment in ocean research would also create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen global cooperation on environmental issues.

Learning from the Past

History has shown that societies rise and fall based on how they manage their resources. In our current age, we face a choice: do we continue to pour money into conflicts that create more problems than they solve, or do we shift our focus to understanding and preserving our planet? The benefits of ocean exploration are long-term and far-reaching, unlike the fleeting gains of warfare.

By exploring the oceans, we can deepen our connection to the planet, uncover its secrets, and perhaps even find solutions to problems like climate change, food security, and resource scarcity.

Prioritizing Exploration Over Conflict

As we stand at a crossroads, humanity must decide whether to continue engaging in costly foreign wars or to invest in understanding the planet we call home. Ocean exploration represents not only an opportunity for scientific discovery but also a chance to protect Earth’s ecosystems, improve our quality of life, and secure a sustainable future. Before we spend billions reaching for distant planets, it is crucial that we unlock the mysteries of the one we inhabit.

By redirecting funds away from foreign conflicts and into ocean research, we could uncover hidden wonders and groundbreaking solutions that may be the key to our survival. The deep sea, with its unexplored depths and untold riches, could very well be the final frontier we need to conquer before we look to the stars.