They demand a new Sustainable Development Goal for space

Jan. 9 () –

Scientists have asked the UN to designate a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) in order to conserve and sustainably use the Earth’s orbit and prevent the accumulation of space debris.

In an article published in the magazine ‘One Earth’, This international group of experts in fields such as satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution proposed SDG number 18, dedicated to the protection of the Earth’s orbit.

The article was co-written by researchers from the University of Plymouth, Arribada Initiative, Spaceport Cornwall, Slingshot Aerospace Ltd and ZSL (Zoological Society of London), Anturus Ltd (all in the United Kingdom), the University of Auckland (New Zealand), the University of Texas in Austin, the University of Maine, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (all in the United States) and PBL Works. It is based on an article published in ‘Science’ in March 2023, in which several of the same scientists asked a legally binding treaty to ensure that Earth’s orbit is not irreparably damaged by the future expansion of the global space industry.

The study highlights that there are currently around 100 nations involved in different levels of space activity and that Since the 1950s, nearly 20,000 satellites have been launched into Earth’s orbit. These satellites bring immense benefits to society, from monitoring ecosystems and supporting global communications to facilitating services used by billions of people around the planet, such as satellite television and seamless bank card payments. contact.

However, once they reach the end of their useful life, experts note that abandoned satellites, launch stages, and fragments resulting from explosions or collisions can accumulate as orbital debris. This increases the possibility of collisions with active satellites, which would not only affect its ability to function, but would also lead to a further increase in waste. While several organizations have begun to recognize the need to take action to address this issue, the authors say that an additional SDG could generate the global consensus and effective implementation mechanisms needed to address the issue.

There are currently 17 SDGs, adopted by UN members in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet for future generations and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. But with an increasing number of satellites and other objects orbiting our planet, there is growing concern that, without some form of global consensus, Another of Earth’s once pristine environments is at risk of being irrevocably modified.

Therefore, the authors believe that a new SDG 18 could draw directly on one of the existing goals (SDG 14: Life below water) and use the lessons learned in marine debris management to prevent another planetary crisis before it is too late. They also highlight that it would complement the existing SDGs, which include references to space technology for its ability to support a better understanding of global problems, but not because of its potential to represent a future problem in itself.

Dr Imogen Napper, a researcher at the University of Plymouth, led the new study funded by the National Geographical Society. According to her, “it has never been more urgent to protect and connect our natural environments, from the ocean to Earth’s orbit. Both are vital to the health of our planet, but they are increasingly threatened by the pressures we place on them. Each There is increasing recognition that marine debris knows no international borders, and the same applies to space debris, an agreement supported by the UN. “It would be a crucial step in safeguarding Earth’s orbit for the future.”

Professor Heather Koldewey, ZSL Ocean Conservation Officer and FAIRER, argues: “Like plastic pollution and climate change, space debris is a problem that transcends borders. Our continued efforts to protect The ocean highlights the importance of UN-backed agreements in managing this crisis. It is essential that we learn from the challenges and solutions to address marine debris. and let us act now to protect our planet’s orbit.”

Along these lines, Dr. Thomas Dowling, Professor of Remote Sensing and Geospatial Sciences at the University of Auckland, adds in a statement: “Not long ago, our oceans were considered to be infinite resources to be plundered and infinite sinks for our waste. We now know that this view was completely wrong: many marine environments are now barren wastelands and it is estimated that more than eight Millions of tons of plastic waste enter the ocean every year. Earth’s orbit is a finite environment similar to the ocean, and wantonly exploiting the orbital environment is repeating the mistakes of the past. “It’s time to create policies to regulate what we put into space, and we must ensure that the objects that enter orbit are safe, sustainable and serve essential, or at least important, purposes for a significant number of people around the world.” .