From DOUGLAS HOLDSTOCK
John Gribbin’s article (Science, 15 August) on the recent work of David
Blair casts doubts on several of the assumptions underlying the search for
extraterrestrial life by radio communication. Blair himself has already
pointed out the possibility that the lifetime of extraterrestrial civilisations
(and ours) may be too short to establish communications if they are driven
to self-destruction with nuclear warfare in a few hundred years. Civilisation
may also collapse due to environmental degradation and overpopulation.
Perhaps, though, Gribbin’s last possibility may apply: other civilisations
may not wish to get in touch with us. A prerequisite for the survival of
civilisations is energy conservation, and large amounts of energy would
presumably be needed to aim radio beams at even nearby stars. ET may have
decided that this is one of the ultra-high-technology activities that it
cannot afford.
Douglas Holdstock Editor, Medicine and War Woking, Surrey
