This blog post is designed to inspire students studying law or economics by highlighting how their area of study can intersect with planetary defense. While the examples below offer a starting point, we encourage proposals that explore other ideas and approaches. Additionally, students are not required to submit a proposal directly related to their degree focus.
Planetary defense extends beyond scientific and technical challenges, encompassing profound questions about humanity’s responsibilities and values. Addressing these questions requires a thoughtful examination of how asteroid risks and defense strategies intersect with societal norms, ethical principles, and global equity.
Key social and ethical aspects of planetary defense:
- Global Equity in Planetary Defense
- Ensuring that planetary defense efforts address the needs of vulnerable populations.
- Addressing disparities in funding, resources, and decision-making power among nations.
- Ethical Decision-Making
- Evaluating the ethical implications of asteroid deflection strategies, including potential unintended consequences.
- Considering who has the authority to make decisions about asteroid mitigation actions and why.
- Risk Communication and Public Trust
- Building public trust through transparent and inclusive communication about asteroid risks and planetary defense plans.
- Addressing misinformation and fostering informed decision-making among diverse audiences.
- Prioritization of Threats
- Exploring the criteria for prioritizing which asteroids to monitor and mitigate.
- Balancing short-term risks with long-term preparedness efforts.
- Post-Impact Recovery and Ethics
- Developing equitable policies for distributing aid and resources after an asteroid impact.
- Addressing ethical questions about compensation and rebuilding efforts for affected populations.
- Cultural Perspectives on Space and Risk
- Examining how different cultures perceive the risks associated with asteroids and space exploration.
- Incorporating diverse worldviews into planetary defense strategies.
- Environmental and Space Ethics
- Considering the environmental impact of planetary defense actions, such as asteroid deflection or destruction.
- Exploring ethical frameworks for interacting with celestial bodies.
- Intergenerational Responsibility
- Addressing humanity’s obligation to protect future generations from asteroid threats.
- Balancing immediate needs with long-term planetary defense investments.
Resources for Further Exploration
- Equity in Planetary Defense Policies: Explores fairness in allocating planetary defense resources globally. New Space Economy
- Ethical Dimensions of Space Exploration and Defense: Addresses ethical concerns in planetary defense and space activities. Brill
- Global Challenges for Planetary Defense Governance: Examines governance issues in addressing asteroid risks. SSRN
- Cultural Perspectives on Risk: Exploring Risk Perception and Attitudes Across Societies: Insights into how different cultures view space threats and opportunities. Dave Adamson
- Absolute Prioritization of Planetary Protection, Ethics, and Avoiding Imperialism in All Future Science Missions: A Policy Perspective: Explores the moral obligations to future generations in space-related decision-making. AAAS
Geoengineering and Beyond – Planetary Defense, Space Debris, and SETI: Analyzes the ecological effects of asteroid mitigation strategies. Martin Beech