Elon Musk’s ambitious ventures continue to captivate global attention, yet many experts and critics caution that some of his latest projects may be fraught with significant risks.

Starbase: A Corporate City on the Texas Coast

Musk’s development of Starbase in Cameron County, Texas, has transformed a 4-square-kilometer area into a self-governed city under SpaceX’s control. While supporters view it as a beacon of futuristic engineering, critics argue that it represents unchecked corporate influence, gentrification, and environmental degradation. Local residents express concerns over rising housing costs, beach closures, and pollution, labeling the project as another form of environmental racism and settler mentality.

Golden Dome: A $175 Billion Missile Defense System

Former President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, has garnered attention for its ambitious scale. While Trump envisions a $25 billion investment and a three-year completion timeline, critics, including 42 Democratic senators, argue that the project’s estimated cost could reach $524 billion over 20 years. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest, with Musk’s SpaceX rumored to be involved, and the feasibility of the project itself.

Self-Driving Teslas: A Potential Safety Hazard

Musk’s plan to deploy hundreds of thousands of fully autonomous Teslas on U.S. roads by the end of 2026 has raised alarms among safety experts. While Tesla aims to begin testing a self-driving taxi service in Austin, Texas, next month, concerns persist about the safety of these vehicles, especially in low-visibility conditions. Critics argue that Tesla’s Full Self-Driving system may not be ready for widespread deployment, citing potential risks to public safety.

Mars Colonization: An Expensive and Risky Endeavor

Musk’s vision of colonizing Mars through SpaceX’s Starship rocket has been met with skepticism by experts. Biologist Kelly Weinersmith warns that the plan could be an extremely expensive humanitarian disaster of epic proportions, citing potential challenges in logistics, ethics, and international law. Concerns include the high cost of supply missions, the risk of critical system failures without immediate assistance, and the lack of a clear legal framework for Martian governance.

xAI Supercomputer: Environmental and Infrastructure Strain

Musk’s xAI supercomputer, located in Memphis, Tennessee, has faced criticism for its environmental impact and strain on local infrastructure. The facility’s high energy demands have raised concerns about air pollution and the ability of local utilities to meet the increased power needs. While data centers typically undergo lengthy approval processes, xAI’s rapid expansion has prompted scrutiny from environmental groups and local residents.

While Musk’s ventures are undeniably ambitious, they also carry significant risks that warrant careful consideration. As these projects progress, it will be crucial to balance innovation with responsibility to ensure that they do not lead to unintended consequences.