This planet is special because of its position. If we were a few feet further or closer to the sun there would be a huge difference. I can say that no planets have been found with the same conditions on planet earth, and the odds of intelligent life existing anywhere else is doubtful.
There can very well be life in the form of micro-organisms , but think about the kind of nurturing it takes to develop.
And yes, we can spend our money feeding the hungry, THAT WOULD BE A GOOD START :)