A Case for Space Environmentalism

Humanity has witnessed an unprecedented expansion into outer space in the past two decades. As we venture further into the cosmos, we must confront the environmental challenges that arise from our activities beyond Earth's atmosphere. In this talk, a case for "Space Environmentalism" is presented to address the need for responsible stewardship of the space environment. This talk highlights the urgency of considering the long-term consequences of our actions in space. Just as we have come to recognize the importance of preserving and protecting Earth's environment, we must extend this environmental consciousness to the space realm. This talk also explores the interplay between space debris, satellite mega-constellations, and the sustainability of future space operations. There is a critical need for proactive space traffic management and responsible space debris mitigation practices to ensure the long-term viability of space activities and safeguard against the cascading effects of collisions in orbit. Thus, the talk continues by discussing the role of space agencies, governments, industry stakeholders, and the scientific community in fostering an environment conducive to responsible space exploration and utilization to underscore the importance of international collaboration and the development of norms, guidelines, and policies that promote sustainable space activities.