The Future of Living Beneath the Waves
The idea of humans living in underwater cities might sound like something out of a science fiction novel, but according to futurist Philip Pauley, it’s a very real possibility. As overpopulation continues to strain Earth’s resources, alternative living solutions are becoming more necessary than ever. While space colonization is currently receiving significant attention and investment, some experts argue that our oceans present a much more practical and sustainable solution for expanding human habitats.
The Vision for Underwater Cities
Jacques Cousteau, the renowned oceanographer, pioneered the concept of underwater habitation in the 1970s, constructing small-scale habitats beneath the sea. Pauley believes that these ideas can be expanded into fully functional underwater cities. His design features a central biosphere surrounded by eight smaller ones, creating a self-sustaining underwater community.
According to Pauley, the dome-shaped structure is the most practical design for an underwater city. “Water can move around it fairly easily, and it can withstand the intense pressure of the ocean depths,” he explains. While a square or other angular design might be more cost-effective, it would not fare well against strong underwater currents.
Choosing the Right Location
The depth at which an underwater city is built is a crucial factor in its feasibility. A city constructed near the surface would be easier to access, allow for better sunlight exposure, and provide a quicker escape route in case of emergencies. However, deeper settlements could take advantage of the immense water pressure to generate sustainable energy.
“Building deeper requires more heavy-duty materials, which increases costs,” says Pauley. “But it also presents opportunities for energy generation using hydrostatic pressure, as well as other renewable sources like solar, wind, and wave power.” Small nuclear reactors could also provide a steady source of energy.
Sustaining Life Underwater
Feeding an underwater population could be accomplished through a variety of methods, including fish farming, livestock rearing, lab-grown meat, or plant-based diets. Supplies could also be imported from the surface. Oxygen would be extracted directly from water or transported from above, ensuring a steady supply for inhabitants.
One of the biggest challenges of deep-sea living, however, is the psychological impact. “Isolation can be a major issue,” Pauley notes. “For mental health, people need exposure to sunlight and vitamin D. LED lighting can mimic natural daylight, but there’s no real substitute for the sun.” This is another reason why Pauley suggests building closer to the surface, where the connection to the outside world is stronger.
Why Aren’t We Living Underwater Yet?
Underwater cities could offer a solution to global overpopulation and even serve as a contingency plan in case of a catastrophic event. Yet, despite the feasibility of such projects, much of the investment in human expansion is focused on space travel—particularly Mars colonization.
Pauley believes this is partly due to the politics surrounding Earth’s oceans. “Unlike space, the ocean is full of competing interests—governments, military forces, mining companies, and oil industries,” he explains. “There’s a lot happening under the sea, and these industries don’t necessarily want external monitoring.”
Whether or not we’ll ever see large-scale underwater cities remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: as Earth’s population grows and land becomes increasingly scarce, looking beneath the waves may be the key to humanity’s survival.
The Verdict
Building underwater cities is entirely possible with existing technology. The primary barriers are financial priorities and political complexities. Until the world shifts its focus from space colonization to the potential of our oceans, the dream of underwater living may remain just that—a dream. But as environmental and population pressures increase, we may one day be forced to take the plunge.
