Is there a Sustainable Development Goal focused on space?

2025-03-30 02:26:15 By Elizabeth Davis

Researchers from universities around the world are advocating for the establishment of an 18th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aimed at addressing the growing issue of space debris in Earth's orbit.

January 9, 2025 – Researchers are advocating for the establishment of a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on the conservation and sustainable utilization of Earth's orbit, as well as the prevention of space debris accumulation.

As of now, there are 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were established by United Nations member states in 2015. These goals serve as a global initiative aimed at eradicating poverty, safeguarding the environment for future generations, and guaranteeing that everyone can experience peace and prosperity.

As the number of satellites and various objects in orbit around our planet continues to rise, there is an increasing worry that, without a unified global agreement, yet another of Earth’s previously untouched environments may face irreversible alterations.

Writing in the journal A Single Planet, an international collaboration of experts – in fields including satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution – have proposed an 18th SDG dedicated to the protection of Earth’s orbit.

The research indicates that approximately 100 countries are currently engaged in different degrees of space exploration, and since the 1950s, nearly 20,000 satellites have been sent into orbit around the Earth.

These satellites offer significant advantages to society, including the observation of ecosystems, enhancing global communication, and enabling services utilized by billions worldwide, such as satellite television and contactless payment methods with bank cards.

Experts indicate that when satellites, launch stages, and debris from explosions or collisions reach the end of their operational lifespan, they can become abandoned and contribute to the growing issue of orbital debris. This accumulation heightens the risk of collisions with operational satellites, potentially disrupting their functionality and leading to an even greater proliferation of debris in space.

Although several organizations have started to acknowledge the urgency of taking action on this matter, the authors suggest that introducing an additional Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) could foster the global agreement and necessary enforcement mechanisms to effectively tackle the issue.

There is a belief that a potential SDG18 could take direct cues from an existing goal, specifically SDG14: Life Below Water. Insights gained from managing marine debris could be applied to avert another global crisis before it becomes critical.

They further emphasize that it would enhance the current Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which mention space technology for its role in fostering a better comprehension of global challenges, yet do not acknowledge its capacity to signify a future concern in its own right.

The article was collaboratively written by a team of researchers from various institutions, including 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 the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

It builds on an article published in Science in March 2023, in which a number of the same scientists called for a legally-binding treaty to ensure that Earth’s orbit isn’t irreparably harmed by the future expansion of the global space industry.

Dr. Imogen Napper, a Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, spearheaded the recent study with support from the National Geographic Society. She stated, “The urgency to preserve and link our natural ecosystems, from the depths of the ocean to the expanse of Earth’s orbit, has reached unprecedented levels. Both are essential for the planet's well-being, yet they face increasing threats from human activities. There is a rising awareness that marine pollution transcends international borders, just as space debris does. An agreement supported by the UN would be a vital measure in protecting Earth’s orbital environment for future generations.”

Professor Heather Koldewey, who leads Ocean and FAIRER Conservation at ZSL, remarked: “Similar to the challenges posed by plastic pollution and climate change, space debris is a global concern that knows no boundaries. Our continuous work in ocean conservation underscores the vital role of UN-supported agreements in addressing this urgent issue. It is crucial that we draw lessons from the obstacles and strategies related to marine waste and take immediate action to safeguard our planet's orbit.”

Dr Thomas Dowling, Lecturer in Remote Sensing & Geospatial Science at The University of Auckland, said: “Not so long ago, our oceans were regarded as infinite resources to plunder and infinite sinks for our waste. We now know that view was grossly mistaken – many marine environments are now barren wastelands and more than eight million tonnes of plastic debris is estimated to enter the ocean every year. 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, and we need to ensure objects entering orbit are safe, sustainable, and serving essential – or at least important – purposes for significant numbers of people around the world.”

Melissa Quinn, General Manager of the International Business Unit at Slingshot Aerospace, added: “The proposed 18th Sustainable Development Goal is a crucial step toward protecting Earth’s orbit for future generations. Space is essential to our daily lives, from global communications to understanding climate change, yet the rapid rise in satellite deployments – 2,877 in 2023 alone (~15% increase from 2022), with even more in 2024 – has led to an increasing risk of collisions and debris. In 2024, we saw a 17% year-over-year spike in the average number of close approaches in low earth orbit per satellite on Slingshot Beacon, Slingshot’s space traffic coordination application. With over 12,500 spacecraft now orbiting our planet, including more than 3,300 inactive satellites, we need urgent, coordinated global action to ensure space is safe, sustainable, and secure. This SDG offers a powerful opportunity to safeguard the benefits of space for all humanity.”

Diary

A Single Planet

DOI

Title of the Article

A Goal for Sustainable Development in Space: Utilizing Insights from Marine Waste Management to Tackle Space Debris

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Image uploaded. “I have a passion for birds, which is why I plan to have the children monitor bird populations and species annually as we continue to plant trees and allow them to mature,” Haan remarked. “Our goal is to increase both the quantity of birds on our land and the variety of species that visit. Trees provide habitat for countless animals and significantly contribute to the resilience of ecosystems.” This spring, he intends to start monitoring more data points with his students. "Once the weather improves a bit, we plan to begin measuring the diameter and circumference of the trees. We'll track these measurements annually to understand growth rates and how they correlate with climate changes and drier autumns," Haan stated. He will ask his students to investigate the relationships between growth rates and various factors, such as weather patterns. Haan mentioned that he has found it easy to engage his students with the arboretum project. 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View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image source: Unsplash+ The ocean represents one of the final vast frontiers on our planet, encompassing over 70% of its surface while still being mostly uncharted. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are revolutionizing exploration by delving into the depths without the need for human operators. These autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are employed for tasks such as mapping the ocean floor, investigating marine ecosystems, and even locating shipwrecks or valuable minerals. With advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), these robotic submarines are evolving to become increasingly intelligent and proficient. AUVs function in demanding conditions where direct human oversight is often unfeasible. The ocean is expansive, dimly lit, and rife with unpredictable currents. Conventional AUVs depended on preset commands, limiting their ability to adjust to unforeseen circumstances. Artificial intelligence is transforming this field by enabling autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to independently make decisions, adapt, and react to their surroundings in real time. An intriguing advancement has emerged from MIT researchers, who have developed AI systems for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) that leverage machine learning to assess their environments and modify their operational objectives accordingly. For instance, an AUV used for mapping coral reefs is now capable of identifying significant areas, like thriving or compromised coral, allowing it to concentrate its data collection efforts in those locations. This approach optimizes both time and energy, resulting in more valuable insights. AI enhances navigation capabilities significantly. When it comes to underwater environments, GPS is ineffective as satellite signals cannot reach through water. To determine their location, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) rely on various sensors, including sonar and cameras. Artificial intelligence aids in analyzing this data to produce precise representations of the ocean floor. In a particular research project, a group of scientists employed AI to instruct autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) on how to navigate around obstacles such as rocks and submerged structures, enabling them to safely investigate more intricate environments. A significant advancement has been made in swarm intelligence, which involves multiple AUVs collaborating as a cohesive unit. Drawing inspiration from the behavior of fish schools, scientists are creating AI algorithms that enable these AUV groups to synchronize their actions autonomously, without the need for human oversight. These swarms have the capability to efficiently cover extensive regions, making them ideal for tasks like detecting oil spills or overseeing marine ecosystems. An illustrative case is the European Union's initiative known as “SwarmDiver,” which showcased how compact and lightweight autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) can collaborate to monitor underwater pollution levels or fluctuations in water temperature. AI is enhancing the way we collect and analyze data. Underwater ecosystems generate vast quantities of information, including video recordings and chemical assessments. Conducting a manual analysis of this data can require several months. Thanks to AI, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) can analyze data in real-time, allowing them to detect significant patterns or irregularities. This capability is especially beneficial in fields such as underwater archaeology, where AI aids in discovering artifacts or shipwrecks through the examination of sonar imagery. In marine science, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) equipped with artificial intelligence are assisting scientists in tracking climate change. These advanced robots gather essential data regarding water temperature, salinity, and current patterns, offering vital information on the evolving state of the oceans. They have also been utilized to monitor fish population migrations, investigate deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and study the behaviors of rare marine species. Nonetheless, challenges persist. AUVs must function for extended durations without surfacing, leading to ongoing constraints related to battery longevity. Additionally, AI algorithms depend on consistent data to make informed decisions; however, underwater environments—characterized by murky visibility or powerful currents—can disrupt sensor accuracy. Moreover, keeping in touch with AUVs poses challenges since radio waves do not propagate effectively beneath the water's surface, while acoustic signals tend to have slower transmission rates. In spite of these challenges, the capabilities of AI-driven AUVs are vast. They are making significant contributions to scientific research while also aiding sectors such as offshore energy and maritime security. For example, AUVs can conduct inspections of underwater pipelines or oversee ports for potential threats, undertaking tasks that would be too perilous or costly for human operators. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing our exploration and comprehension of the oceanic realm. These intelligent machines are paving the way for new avenues of discovery, ranging from safeguarding marine environments to uncovering resources hidden in the depths of the sea. As innovation progresses, they might even assist in unraveling some of the ocean's most profound enigmas. The prospects for underwater exploration are promising, and with artificial intelligence at the forefront, we are nearing the revelation of the mysteries that lie beneath the waves.

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A recent survey indicates that most Americans are looking to enhance their financial habits in 2025. Conducted with a sample of 2,000 individuals, the survey revealed that over 40% (42%) anticipate experiencing a “holiday hangover” this year. Almost half (49%) of respondents intend to take a break in January, opting for a more subdued and less social lifestyle, and […] Search for a nearby business. Your browser is outdated and may pose security risks. We suggest upgrading to one of the following browsers: You're good to go! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Thank you . Your account registration is complete, and you are now successfully logged in. Please look in your email for more information.

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Mysterious and Unidentified Formations Discovered Beneath the Pacific Ocean

The formations might be new or old, but scientists remain uncertain. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Here is a representation of the locations of cooler material within the mantle, made possible by an innovative computer model. Image Credit: Sebastian Noe / ETH Zurich. Geoscientists have leveraged earthquake data to investigate the makeup of the lower section of the Earth's mantle beneath the Pacific Ocean, leading to some intriguing findings. They've identified regions where seismic waves exhibit unusual movement patterns, indicating the presence of structures that are either colder or possess a distinct composition compared to the adjacent molten rocks. The researchers characterize these structures as a significant enigma. It is unclear what these structures are. If they were anywhere else, they could be portions of tectonic plates that have sunk in a subduction zone. But the Pacific is one large plate, so there should be no subduction material under it. The researchers are also uncertain about what kind of material these deep structures are made of or what this means for the internal structure of the planet. "That's our dilemma. With the new high-resolution model, we can see such anomalies everywhere in the Earth's mantle. But we don't know exactly what they are or what material is creating the patterns we have uncovered," Thomas Schouten, first author and doctoral student at the Geological Institute of ETH Zurich, said in a statement. The existence of numerous cold areas within the mantle implies that they may have originated at various points in time and from diverse sources. These regions are not solely the result of subduction plates from the past 200 million years. Schouten elaborated, "We believe that the irregularities in the lower mantle stem from multiple sources. They might be remnants of silica-dense substances that have existed since the mantle's formation around 4 billion years ago, managing to endure the convective shifts within the mantle. Alternatively, these anomalies could represent areas where iron-laden rocks have gathered due to the mantle's movements over the span of billions of years." Further efforts are required. The team relies solely on one characteristic of seismic waves—their speed—to deduce a great deal about the processes occurring beneath our surface. Despite having impressive models, it remains a challenge to derive all necessary information from this single aspect. We cannot physically access the Earth's interior to observe its contents.   "Schouten explained, 'We need to assess the various material parameters that could account for the observed velocities of the different wave types. In essence, we must investigate the material characteristics that influence wave speed more thoroughly.'" A paper describing these findings is published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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