Pathways for the Implementation of the UN Space2030 Agenda: A Comprehensive View of the Impact of Space on Social and Environmental Sustainability
- Paper ID
82627
- DOI
- author
- company
Jordan Space Research Initiative (JSRI)
- country
Jordan
- year
2024
- abstract
In an era where space technologies and applications play a pivotal role in shaping global sustainability efforts, the United Nations Space2030 Agenda emerges as a crucial framework for harnessing the potential of outer space and pushing for the use of space as a driver for sustainable development. In order to proceed with the objectives of this agenda, it is essential to outline a comprehensive view of the current links between space and sustainability, as well as identify any unexplored potential. The goal of this paper is to delve into the multifaceted contributions of space for sustainability, emphasizing both the role of both experiential and intellectual knowledge derived from space endeavors. Experiential knowledge from space, as embodied by the phenomenon known as Overview Effect, is an often overlooked aspect of space for sustainability. This perspective that is only offered from space has shown great potential to shift ideologies and attitudes towards sustainability. On the other hand, intellectual knowledge, which includes both Earth Observation data and space technologies, has also had tangible significant impacts on Earth sustainability. From the ability to monitor and predict climate change, to spin-off technologies for sustainable development - the advancements made due to intellectual knowledge obtained from space exploration have been far-reaching. This research highlights the transformative impact of both types of space-derived knowledge on environmental and social sustainability in particular, drawing upon empirical examples and theoretical insights. Another central theme of this exploration is the ethical regulation of space activities and technologies. Therefore, this paper critically examines the implications of the dual-use nature of space technology, navigating the delicate balance between its positive potential to help achieve sustainability objectives and its negative potential to cause immense social and environmental harm through military applications. This work then advocates for robust ethical frameworks and policies to ensure that space exploration and utilization align with principles of peace, sustainability, and international collaboration, thereby maximizing its positive potential for life on Earth.