Currently, the UN recognizes 17 SDGs, introduced in 2015 to inspire global efforts to eliminate poverty, safeguard the environment, and promote prosperity. However, the increasing presence of satellites and other objects in Earth's orbit is prompting concerns about its future. Without coordinated international action, this once-pristine space environment could face irreversible damage.
In a study published in the journal One Earth, an international team of experts in fields ranging from satellite technology to ocean plastic pollution proposed the creation of an 18th SDG dedicated to Earth's orbital environment.
The researchers emphasize the urgent need for this new SDG, given the involvement of around 100 nations in space activities and the launch of nearly 20,000 satellites since the 1950s. While satellites provide significant benefits-including global communication, ecosystem monitoring, and essential services like satellite TV and digital banking-their end-of-life stage often leaves behind abandoned components. These discarded satellites, rocket stages, and debris from collisions or explosions contribute to orbital clutter, increasing the risk of further collisions.
"The need to protect and connect our natural environments, from the ocean to Earth's orbit, has never been more urgent. Both are vital to the health of our planet, yet increasingly under threat from the pressures we place on them," said Dr. Imogen Napper, Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth and lead author of the study. "A UN-backed agreement would be a crucial step in safeguarding Earth's orbit for the future."
The team's proposal draws inspiration from SDG14: Life Below Water, which addresses marine debris management. Lessons learned from tackling ocean plastic pollution could guide efforts to prevent a similar crisis in orbit. This new SDG would complement the existing framework, which recognizes space technology's contributions to addressing global challenges but has yet to address the risks posed by orbital debris.
Professor Heather Koldewey, ZSL's Head of Ocean and FAIRER Conservation, explained, "Just like plastic pollution and climate change, space junk is an issue that transcends borders. Our ongoing efforts to protect the ocean highlight just how important UN-backed agreements are for managing this crisis. It's key we learn from the challenges and solutions in tackling marine debris and act now to protect our planet's orbit."
The authors also highlighted parallels between ocean and orbital environments. "Not so long ago, our oceans were regarded as infinite resources to plunder and infinite sinks for our waste," said Dr. Thomas Dowling, Lecturer in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Science at The University of Auckland. "Earth's orbit is a similar finite environment to the ocean, and mindlessly exploiting the orbital environment is repeating the mistakes of the past. It's time to create policies to regulate what we're putting in space."
The study builds on earlier work published in Science in March 2023, where many of the same researchers advocated for a legally binding treaty to safeguard Earth's orbit as the global space industry continues to expand.
The article's co-authors represent institutions such as the University of Plymouth, PBL Works, Arribada Initiative, University of Auckland, The University of Texas at Austin, Anturus Ltd, University of Maine, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spaceport Cornwall, Slingshot Aerospace Ltd, and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
Research Report:A Sustainable Development Goal for Space: Applying Lessons from Marine Debris to Manage Space Debris
Related Links
University of Plymouth
Slingshot Aerospace
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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