Dr. Meganne Christian

"Space is fundamental for our study of sustainability"

At COP28, Meganne Christian, Reserve Astronaut and Exploration Commercialisation Lead at the UK Space Agency, underscores the critical importance of space sustainability.  

This forum serves as a pivotal platform for raising awareness about safeguarding space infrastructure, which plays a vital role in telecommunications, navigation, and Earth observation. 

Christian highlights the finite nature of low Earth orbit and the growing issue of orbital debris that threatens essential satellite operations. She points to innovative efforts by companies working on active debris removal and stresses the necessity of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible behaviour in space activities.  

Collaboration across industries is essential, with policymakers and the private sector playing key roles in fostering sustainable space practices. Optimism prevails as advancements in technology and increased collaborative efforts promise a sustainable future both on Earth and beyond. 

Christian calls for a collective understanding of space as integral to our sustainable development goals, emphasising its dual role in facilitating Earth’s sustainability and requiring sustainable management itself.