Space as an Environment

The proliferation of space debris and the growing challenges for the sustainability of space activities in Earth orbit is being recognized as an priority issue for space governance.

However, a broader consideration of environmental issues in outer space is necessary. This links with our work on planetary protection, as protection of the scientific value of outer space needs to be situated in a broader context. This work, rooted in the methodologies of legal geography and environmental humanities examines space activities within the context of an environmental paradigm and the human relationship with ‘nature’. While this does ‘push at the boundaries’ of general understanding, environmental law – as evidenced by the recent proposed definition of Ecocide – is understanding the connection between the terrestrial and celestial environments.

For more information:

• Beyond Planetary Protection? Article IX of the OST as a Foundation for an International Environmental Law for Outer Space
• Green Mars: Ecological Imperialism in Science Fiction and Implications for Space Governance