Call to Action: Sustainability on Earth Depends on Sustainability in Space

When: Tuesday, November 7, 2023

to Friday, November 10, 2023

Time: 9:30-10:00 South African Standard Time (SAST)

Where: Cape Town, South Africa

This session focused on the threats to the space environment and specifically draw attention to ways the Earth observation community can participate in safeguarding space assets and data. In order to respond effectively to the triple planetary crisis and drive sustainable development, including action on biodiversity, health, climate change, disaster risk reduction, urban developments, oceans, and coastal areas, and water and agriculture, it is necessary to use data derived from Earth observations. But that data is under threat, particularly from space debris and the hazards it poses. Continuity of service is not assured. Data can be delayed or cost more due to these threats. This session brought together expert speakers to inform the community of this challenge and highlight paths to action.
Speakers:
  • Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director at South African Radio Astronomy Observatory & former Chair of the Science and Technology Subcommittee of the United Nations Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
  • Danielle Wood,  Assistant Professor in the Program in Media Arts & Sciences, Faculty Lead for African and African Diaspora Studies, & Lead Media Lab Space Enabled Research
  • Moderator: Krystal Azelton, Director of Space Application Programs, Secure World Foundation

This event took place on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:00 in the Freesia room at the GEO Week 2023 Ministerial Summit. For questions, please contact Krystal Azelton.

Last updated on November 10, 2023