Inside Biosphere 2: The World’s Largest Earth Science Experiment

Human Relationship with Nature

Since ancient times, humans have manipulated nature for survival and progress (e.g., agriculture, fire). This relationship includes controlling, protecting, depending on, and trying to understand nature, which raises the question: Can Earth’s ecosystems be recreated in a controlled environment?

Biosphere 2

A large-scale Earth science experiment built in the late 1980s in the Arizona desert. It’s a 3.14-acre closed ecosystem designed to test the feasibility of space colonization through self-sustaining habitats, with the name referencing Earth as "Biosphere 1."

Concept and Design of Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 was a closed ecological system that included 5 distinct biomes (rainforest, ocean, savanna, mangrove wetland, fog desert), agricultural areas, and living quarters. It aimed to test how humans, plants, and animals could live without outside input.

Mission 1 (1991–1993)

Eight “Biospherians” lived inside Biosphere 2 for two years, with the goal of total self-sufficiency. Major issues included oxygen levels dropping dangerously low, plant and animal die-offs, food shortages, team conflict, and negative media coverage, leading to the breaking of the "closed system" rule and loss of credibility.

Mission 2 (1994)

Mission 2 addressed some issues from Mission 1, but ended early due to sabotage by two crew members and the dissolution of the managing body. The mission ultimately lasted only 6 months, and the original goals were abandoned.

Key Takeaway from Biosphere 2

Despite being seen as a failure, Biosphere 2 offered valuable insights into human limitations in understanding Earth's ecosystems. It was an engineering achievement and highlighted the challenges of creating sustainable ecosystems in confined environments.

Biosphere 2 Today

Owned by the University of Arizona, Biosphere 2 no longer houses people, but the ecosystems remain active. It includes thriving biomes, such as a rainforest and a man-made ocean, demonstrating how ecosystems can evolve in a controlled environment. However, it cannot fully replicate Earth's diverse systems.

Spaceship Earth Exercise

An exercise emphasizing the life support and social needs of a sustainable system. Key life support needs include oxygen, water, food, energy, and waste management. Social needs include health, happiness, safety, knowledge, decision-making, and conflict resolution.