The Argument Against Terraforming Mars

I disagree.

If we are willing to go beyond our original continent of Africa and further develop technology, husbandry and agriculture and Aristotle would likely agree that anyone engaging in the above would be virtuous (else we go back to hunter gatherers and cave people), there is no reason to fret about Mars.

There aren't even macroscopic animals whose habitat we might disturb.

To me it's an absurd argument. Take one fewer step on soil and save some microbes tomorrow.

No need to wrestle with the ethics, terraforming is just plain inefficient. Imagine the megastructures that could be built with the resources required for terraforming, and how much quicker we could begin moving into them.

Or, let Isaac Arthur give you the grand tour! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86JAU3w9mB8

"Every act of creation is first an act of destruction."

- Picasso