People have been exploring space and water for almost a century. Theories change, opinions change. But some people wonder which is more important. What do you think?  I strongly believe underwater exploration is more important than space exploration. I believe this because of these reasons: The ocean isn't explored much, space exploration isn't worth the risk and money, and ocean exploration can bring changes to the world that will be to the humans' advantage. 

 Firstly, underwater exploration is more important because the ocean isn't explored much yet. It is true that there is better technology now. Submarines made for war are now made for exploration. And a sea exploration station called the "SeaOrbiter" is currently in development. However, that's the problem. It is only being developed. Technology for space exploration is getting better every day. The sea exploration station is only in development. People work so hard and donate so much to space exploration, but underwater exploration isn't getting as much attention. While space exploration has already gone far enough, 90% of the ocean floor isn't even charted on the maps. According to CNN, we know more about the dark side of the moon than the ocean. 

 The second reason why I think underwater exploration is important is that space exploration isn't worth the risk and money. Space exploration may be harmful to the environment. Every time a spaceship takes off, it overheats the earth. A british astronomer royal Martin Rees and Nobel Laureate Steven Weinburg both say that manned flights to space are "an incredible waste of money". They also say there isn't a point in sending humans to space. Robots can probably do the work humans can. Also, if people were to send robots, people would be less worried. It's not worth risking human lives for space exploration.

 The third and final reason why I believe underwater exploration is more important is that ocean exploration could bring changes to the world. "The oceans play a major role in controlling our climate," says Amitai Etzioni, a former professor and advisor to the White House. David Doubilet, an underwater photographer says that the oceans affect humans, if the ocean changes, so do we. This could convince people to stop throwing trash into the ocean. A marine conservationist thinks that with the help of coral reefs, people could build an underwater city. And some ocean organisms have been useful for finding cures for diseases. People were able to find advances in fighting blindness after studying the eyes of a rayfish. Other discoveries will help the world, too.

 Some people may think that space exploration is more important. They believe that space exploration can bring good to the earth. And they have. But now, it is only making space junk, or trash in space. If we don't explore the ocean, then we have no chance of saving it. If we explore the water, then we would know what the ocean is like. We would have an idea of what it is. That will be the first step to saving the ocean. However,  if we keep spending our time and money on space exploration, the earth and the ocean will never be saved.  Underwater exploration should be more focused on because the oceans haven't been explored much, space exploration isn't worth the risk and money, underwater exploration could bring changes to the world that will be to the humans' advantage. Also, global warming and other environmental issues are happening today. If we continue exploring the ocean and focus on underwater exploration, we can fix the ocean! More knowledge on the ocean will be helpful in saving the earth from global warming since the oceans play a big part in controlling our climate. This is why you need to act now! Support underwater exploration by visiting and donating to sites that help underwater exploration!