It all collapses to the (2) “atoms utility” vs “human instrumental utility.” Preventing starvation or pollution effect for a large group of humans is relatively cheap. Just put all them on a large space station, may be 1 km long.
But disempowerment of humanity and maybe even Earth-destruction are far more likely. Even if we will get small galactic empire of 1000 stars, but will live there as pets devoted any power about Universe future, it is not very good outcome.
It all collapses to the (2) “atoms utility” vs “human instrumental utility.” Preventing starvation or pollution effect for a large group of humans is relatively cheap. Just put all them on a large space station, may be 1 km long.
But disempowerment of humanity and maybe even Earth-destruction are far more likely. Even if we will get small galactic empire of 1000 stars, but will live there as pets devoted any power about Universe future, it is not very good outcome.