Why is accessing virtually limitless materials in asteroids cited as crucial for future generations?

Terrestrial resources will inevitably become scarcer, making off-world access an economic and survival imperative

The long-term economic and survival viability of humanity depends on foresight regarding resource availability. It is recognized that the resources available on Earth, despite their current abundance, are finite and will inevitably face scarcity in the future. Consequently, the ability to access the virtually limitless materials found in sources like asteroids or other celestial bodies becomes a critical imperative for succeeding generations. Investment in space exploration today is therefore seen, in part, as essential research and development dedicated to building the foundational infrastructure required to participate in and benefit from that necessary off-world economy later on.