Summary
Biosphere 2 is a large greenhouse-like structure in Arizona, built to study if humans could live in a controlled, self-sustaining environment. Originally, it housed people trying to live inside, but now it is used by the University of Arizona for scientific research on climate change and the effects of carbon dioxide on plants.
Key Facts
- Biosphere 2 is located in Oracle, Arizona, near Tucson.
- It was created in the late 1980s and early 1990s to test human survival in a controlled ecosystem.
- Eight people lived inside the structure for two years from 1991, managing food production and experiments.
- The project faced issues, including low oxygen levels and interpersonal conflicts.
- Initially funded by Texas billionaire Ed Bass, it later shifted focus to research rather than human habitation.
- Columbia University first managed it to study the effects of carbon dioxide on plants.
- The University of Arizona currently owns and runs Biosphere 2.
- The facility helps scientists research problems related to climate change on Earth, also known as Biosphere 1.
