But if we don't build out AI (and destroy the earth in the process) how will we ever get to mars ( a planet that is already destroyed)

I just don't understand how the systemic thinking of these people work. The environment holds up both people and the economy. And while people always need some kind of economy to specialize and form a modern society, economic goals should always be subject to people's priorities. We can disagree on common good or individual rights, but ultimately the dominant dependencies seem pretty clear to me: you cannot live a modern life with a functioning economy if your environment is in shambles.