I myself would be interested to know about the far reaches of the universe and don't argue that it world represent a great technological achievement by humans. But we forget practical concerns when the collective dream of going to space comes up. First, wouldn't it be better to deal with the problems here on Earth? Yes, there are already solutions to problems. Overpopulation, pollution, poverty, war, corruption... all have something in common. If we were to acknowledge that a common underlying problem exists in the worlds various problems then the solution may lay right on the ground. The problem: a complete mismanagement and misuse of resources and an outlook that views nature as nothing more than dead, mechanical stuff.
People have legimate reasons for protesting against "new" technologies sometimes. The loss on California's Prop 37 to label genetically-modified organisms in food is a specter of big corporate money and unwarranted technology. Crudely placing an isolated gene from one organism to another is an example of the disregarding attitude of modern science that views nature as expendable. Theres far more involved in functioning then just genes as the field of epigenetics shows. Even if advance technology was created wouldn't corporations hijack it to turn to their own purposes? Trust the money or the counterculture? In the alternative movements of the last century we find that some did advocate allotting natural resources in a beneficial way. The green revolution that emphasizes renewable resources like wind/solar, organic farming, and protecting wild places. With 7 billion people the former ideas have been laughed at by the invested establishment that claims them unrealistic. Going further into the "green" philosophy you find permaculture, VHEM, off-grid, voluntary poverty, and slow money.
Could we not utilize the green ideas to improve life already here on Earth? Technology is great if used appropriately. Lets use mass media to make parenthood look undesirable.
What is the feasibility of colonizing space and creating advance technology? Who can afford it? Would we have to take money from conservation programs to fund the vast labor and materials needed for such endeavor? Shouldn't we solve the problems here on Earth first?
Those who show their squabble with technology are labeled "luddites" by those dreamers of high-tech. Its not a return to the olden days of pushing plows that I'm advocating. Its an integration of the old and new by utilizing the knowledge we now have today. Hey, if the medieval age had known more about hygiene perhaps they would have lived longer? Did they really need modern medicine or just a soapbar? Of course, we prefer both today, but wouldn't even limited gains have improved their lot? Judgments about the past are rife with modern biases that automatically holds all gains as the new savior.