Scientists call for global action to eliminate hazardous space debris
Scientists are calling for a legally binding treaty to protect the Earth’s orbit from irreparable harm caused by the expansion of the global space industry. With the expected increase in the number of satellites in orbit from 9,000 to over 60,000 by 2030, and fears that large portions of the Earth’s orbit will become unusable, experts in satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution highlight the urgent need for a global consensus to how to control the Earth’s orbit. They argue that any country planning to use the Earth’s orbit should be involved in ensuring the stability of the satellites.
The University of Plymouth-led collaboration called on leaders to learn from high seas governance and act to protect the Earth’s orbit.
Scientists have called for a legally binding treaty to ensure that Earth’s orbit is not irreparably damaged by the future expansion of the global space industry.
In a week when almost 200 countries have signed a treaty to protect the high seas after a 20-year process, experts believe that society should adopt the lessons learned from one part of our planet to another.
The number of satellites in orbit is expected to increase from 9,000 today to more than 60,000 by 2030, with estimates showing that more than 100 trillion untraceable fragments of old satellites are already orbiting the planet.
While such technology is being used to provide a huge range of social and environmental benefits, there are concerns that the projected growth of the industry could render large portions of the earth’s orbit unusable.
An article published in the journal Science by an international community of experts in fields such as satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution says it demonstrates the urgent need for a global consensus on how best to manage the Earth’s orbit.
They acknowledge that a number of industries and countries are beginning to focus on satellite resilience, but say this must be ensured to include any country planning to use Earth’s orbit.
Any agreement, they add, must include measures to ensure manufacturers and users are held accountable for satellites and debris from the moment they are launched. Business costs should also be considered when looking for ways to incentivize accountability. Such considerations are in line with current proposals to tackle ocean plastic pollution as countries begin negotiations on the Global Plastics Compact.
Experts also believe that, unless immediate action is taken, large parts of our planet’s immediate environment are at risk of suffering the same fate as the high seas, where intangible management has led to overfishing, habitat destruction, deep sea exploration and plastic pollution.
Dr. Imogen Napper, Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth. Credit: Eleanor Burfitt/University of Plymouth.
The article was co-authored by researchers from the University of Plymouth, the Arribad Initiative, the University of Texas at Austin, the California Institute of Technology, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Cornwall Spaceport, and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
Among them are the scientist who led the first-ever study of marine microplastics, also published in Science almost 20 years ago, and the scientists who contributed to the development of the Global Plastics Compact signed by 170 world leaders at the United Nations Environment Assembly in March. 2022.
Dr. Imogen Napper, a research fellow at the University of Plymouth, led a recently published study funded by the National Geographic Society. She said: “The issue of plastic pollution and many other issues facing our oceans are currently gaining worldwide attention. However, joint action has been limited and implementation has been slow. Now we are in a similar situation with the accumulation of space debris. By taking into account what we have learned on the high seas, we can avoid repeating the same mistakes and work together to prevent the tragedy of the commons in space. Without a global agreement, we could be on the same path.”
Heather Koldevi, ZSL Senior Marine Technical Consultant, said: “To solve planetary problems, we need to bring scientists from different disciplines together to find and accelerate solutions. As a marine biologist, I never thought of writing an article about space, but this collaborative research has brought to light so many parallels to the challenges of dealing with environmental issues in the ocean. We just need to get better at bringing science into governance and politics.”
Dr. Moriba Jha, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin, said: “Ancient TECs (traditional environmental knowledge) inform us about how we should feel about governance because our lives depend on it. I am excited to work with others highlighting the connections and interdependence between all things, and that marine debris and space debris are avoidable human-caused damage.”
Dr. Kimberley Miner, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Scientist, said: “Reflecting the UN’s new oceanic initiative, minimizing lower Earth orbit pollution will continue space exploration, satellite continuity, and the growth of life-changing space technologies. ”
Melissa Quinn, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, said: “Satellites are vital to the health of our people, the economy, security and the Earth itself. However, using space for the benefit of people and the planet comes with risks. By comparing how we treat our seas, we can act proactively before we harm the use of space for future generations. Humanity must take responsibility for its behavior in space now, not later. I call on all leaders to take note of this, recognize the importance of this next step, and take shared responsibility.”
Professor Richard Thompson, OBE, Head of International Marine Debris Research at the University of Plymouth, said: “I have spent most of my career studying the accumulation of plastic debris in the marine environment; the harm it can bring and possible solutions. It is clear that much of the pollution we see today could have been avoided. We were well aware of the problem of plastic pollution ten years ago, and if we acted, the amount of plastic in our oceans could be half what it is today. In the future, we need to take a much more proactive stance to protect the future of our planet. There is a lot to learn from the mistakes made in our oceans that has to do with the accumulation of debris in space.”
