SYSK Live in Nashville: The Biosphere II Experiment | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts discuss the Biosphere 2 experiment, a unique endeavor that aimed to replicate Earth and gather scientific data. They explore the origins of the project, the challenges faced by the participants, and the controversies surrounding its success. Join them as they delve into the fascinating world of Biosphere 2 and its impact on environmentalism.

Main Takeaways

The Origins of Biosphere 2

• The Biosphere 2 project was born out of the spirit of a group called the Synergians, who aimed to build a self-sustaining habitat for studying Earth’s ecosystems in detail.
• John Allen, a charismatic hippie and certified genius, played a crucial role in attracting like-minded individuals and incorporating ideas from famous figures like Buckminster Fuller.
• The project incorporated Bucky Fuller’s ideas of synergy and the geodesic dome into its design, creating a unique and futuristic structure.

The Goals and Challenges of Biosphere 2

• The Biosphere 2 project aimed to study Earth’s ecosystem in a controlled environment, combining lab precision with real-world conditions.
• The participants, known as Biosphereians, embarked on a two-year mission to live in a sealed environment, relying on what they could grow and facing challenges such as limited food variety and high CO2 levels.
• The experiment faced design flaws and unintended consequences, such as the desert turning into scrub land and the ocean reef choking with algae.

The Controversies and Legacy of Biosphere 2

• Biosphere 2 garnered international attention and excitement, but it also faced criticism and controversy for not disclosing the use of a CO2 scrubber and bringing in supplies from the outside.
• The project was initially praised as a groundbreaking scientific endeavor but later criticized, with Time Magazine listing it as one of the worst ideas of the 20th century.
• Despite its flaws, Biosphere 2 led to scientific discoveries, such as a low-tech wastewater system used worldwide and the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

Summary

The Origins of Biosphere 2

The Biosphere 2 project was born out of the Synergians’ desire to build a self-sustaining habitat for studying Earth’s ecosystems. Led by John Allen, a charismatic genius influenced by Buckminster Fuller, the group incorporated ideas of synergy and the geodesic dome into the project’s design. They embarked on a journey to create a unique and futuristic structure that would replicate Earth.

The Goals and Challenges of Biosphere 2

The Biosphereians, as the participants were called, sealed themselves off in the Biosphere 2 for a two-year mission. They had to rely on what they could grow, facing challenges such as limited food variety and high CO2 levels. The experiment encountered design flaws and unintended consequences, including the desert turning into scrub land and the ocean reef being choked with algae. Despite these challenges, the Biosphereians persevered in their quest to study Earth’s ecosystem in a controlled environment.

The Controversies and Legacy of Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 garnered both excitement and criticism. The project faced controversies for not disclosing the use of a CO2 scrubber and bringing in supplies from the outside. Initially praised as a groundbreaking endeavor, it later received backlash, with Time Magazine labeling it as one of the worst ideas of the 20th century. However, Biosphere 2 also led to significant scientific discoveries, such as a low-tech wastewater system and insights into the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs.

Conclusion

The Biosphere 2 experiment, while facing challenges and controversies, remains a fascinating chapter in the history of environmentalism. It showcased the ambition and determination of the Synergians and their quest to understand and preserve Earth’s ecosystems. Despite its shortcomings, Biosphere 2 contributed to scientific knowledge and reinvigorated humanity’s love for our planet.