This was very engaging and Ms Ekblaw is clearly an exceptional human being.  However I worry about an unspoken assumption of all this discussion of  extra-terrestrial development.  It's the notion that we, as a species, are separate from our environment of fellow creatures and flora.  This is, I think, a profound mistake that may well have psycho-historical roots.   The simple fact is that technology has been the motor for all but destroying the planet (as well as holding potential for saving it).  Fascinating as these techno-myths of future floating cities etc. are, they are ultimately pointless and a distraction from the real task of saving this planet.  <br>I am guessing this will not be a popular opinion on this forum!