Secure World Foundation Co-Organizes 2nd Conference on Earth–Space Sustainability

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Start
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March 18, 2026
9:00
Ends
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March 20, 2026
17:00
Event Type Icon
Conference
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Start
Clock Time Icon
March 18, 2026
9:00
Ends
Clock Time Icon
March 20, 2026
17:00
Event Type Icon
Conference
Location Icon

Speakers

Ian Christensen

Co-Sponsors

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Event Description

Earth and outer space became increasingly intertwined environmentally, politically, and philosophically as satellite constellations multiplied, lunar activities expanded, and ambitions for Mars and beyond gained momentum.

The conference welcomed researchers and practitioners to engage with an emerging Earth-Space systems paradigm, one that demands a fundamental rethinking of sustainability governance. At the center of the discussion were questions of law, stewardship, and equity as they intersected with a range of contemporary issues, from the histories of astronomy to the deployment of satellite infrastructures, space debris accumulation, planetary protection, and the ethical obligations tied to the integrity of other celestial bodies.

Hosted as part of the Earth-Space Sustainability (ESS) network, the conference provided a forum for theoretical reflection, interdisciplinary exchange, and future collaboration on Earth-Space sustainability challenges in the 21st century. It welcomed contributions across disciplines and knowledge traditions, and submissions addressed a wide range of topics, methodologies, and empirical contexts.

The conference report can be found here.

Track 1
Histories, philosophy, and futures
This track addressed the spatial and temporal dimensions of Earth-Space sustainability, with a focus on conceptions and understandings of Earth-Space systems shaped by diverse cosmological imaginaries. It drew on history, Indigenous and alternative knowledge systems, ancient and modern astronomy, and futures studies.
Track 2
Environmental sustainability and integrity
This track focused on the legal and governance implications of environmental sustainability and the integrity of the Earth system and other celestial bodies in the context of human-driven space activities. Topics included the atmospheric borderlands, space debris, and the integrity of planets, moons, and asteroids.
Track 3
Commons, resource and data governance
This track addressed the governance of access, use, and distribution of resources and data, including from a commons perspective. Topics included radio spectrum and orbital space, governance of space resources such as water and metals, space data access and distribution, and the protection of space heritage as a commons.
Track 4
Anticipatory governance of anthropogenic and natural space risks
This track considered how law and governance can prepare for and respond to a range of space-related risks, including gamma ray bursts, biological contamination, Kessler syndrome, asteroid impacts, and other concerns related to planetary risk governance.
Track 5
Peace, politics, and stability
This track examined the implications of Earth-Space sustainability challenges for peace, politics, and stability. It considered the consequences for global and planetary order, and the kinds of governance reform needed to support peaceful, just, and stable futures on a planetary level and beyond.

Ian Christensen, Private Sector Programs Director at Secure World Foundation, acted as Co-Chair of the Conference, supporting interdisciplinary engagement among researchers and practitioners. If you have questions, please contact Ian.

Event Details

Agenda

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Event Coverage

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