SWF and Exponential Academy Publish "ESG in Space" Podcast Episode 4: Exploring Life Beyond Earth with Bill Diamond

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Secure World Foundation is delighted to present the fourth episode of "ESG in Space," a podcast series developed in collaboration with Exponential Academy and hosted by Nishan Degnarain and Miki Sode. This episode welcomes Bill Diamond, President and CEO of the SETI Institute, an organization dedicated to the scientific research of life beyond Earth.

In this episode, Bill discusses the SETI Institute's role and its focus on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. He examines how the lowering costs of space access, propelled by the commercial space sector, are improving scientific capabilities in observing and understanding the universe.

Watch or listen to "ESG in Space" Episode 4 below, on our YouTube Channel, or on your preferred podcast streaming platform, and join us for a fascinating conversation on the technological, scientific, and philosophical aspects of searching for life in the cosmos.

Timestamps for Key Topics

• 00:01:07: Bill’s background and role at the SETI Institute
• 00:04:10: Exploring life beyond Earth and astrobiology research
• 00:06:32: The intersection of space science and public engagement
• 00:09:18: Space as a global commons and the importance of inclusive governance
• 00:11:45: Lessons from Earth systems: Antarctica, oceans, and space
• 00:14:58: The role of nonprofit science organizations in shaping exploration
• 00:18:22: Challenges of commercialization and keeping space accessible
• 00:21:30: Risks of a "gold rush" mentality in space resource extraction
• 00:24:05: The importance of science diplomacy in international space efforts
• 00:28:20: Considering ethics, sustainability, and equity in off-Earth exploration
• 00:31:10: What inspires future generations to explore space responsibly
• 00:34:15: Final thoughts on SETI’s mission and collaborative scientific discovery

If you are interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the purpose and creation of this podcast, please watch a quick look on our YouTube Channel. 

About Exponential Academy

With a vision to drive meaningful change, Exponential Academy emerged from a deep commitment to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Recognizing the transformative power of exponential technologies, the academy harnesses these innovations to create a ripple effect across industries. Their goal is to align businesses with the global sustainability agenda while leveraging cutting-edge solutions to meet the challenges of our time. Learn more about Exponential Academy at exponentialacademy.org.