Space Exploration Before Fixing the Earth

We’ve long held the view that before we explore space for valuable minerals, we should gain control of over-consumption on our beloved HOME.

In the race to explore the vast expanse of space for rare earth minerals, driven by the ambitions of both corporate giants and governments, it is crucial that we pause and reflect on the environmental toll this pursuit may exact on our home planet. The desire to become leaders in space exploration is undoubtedly commendable, but the costs associated with the full life cycle analysis of materials, products, and energy expended in this endeavour cannot be ignored. Perhaps, before reaching for the stars, we need to focus on fixing what’s wrong with our approach to Earth.

As we witness the global scramble for extraterrestrial resources, fuelled by a mix of scientific curiosity and economic greed, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the environmental impact of these endeavours. The extraction, transportation, and utilisation of rare earth minerals involve a significant carbon footprint, not to mention the potential harm to delicate ecosystems. Our planet is already grappling with the consequences of climate change, deforestation, and pollution – issues that demand urgent attention and concerted efforts for mitigation and restoration.

An analogy can be drawn between the exploration of space and the operations of a business. When a company realises that its business model is causing harm to the environment, ethical corporations take steps to rectify their practices, implementing sustainable measures and reducing their ecological footprint. Similarly, as stewards of Earth, we must adopt a responsible and sustainable approach before venturing further into the cosmos.

Addressing the environmental challenges on Earth should not be seen as a hindrance to space exploration, but rather as a prerequisite for responsible cosmic endeavours. By investing in cleaner technologies, promoting renewable energy sources, and adopting circular economic models, we can minimise the impact of our activities on Earth. This not only preserves our fragile ecosystems but also sets a precedent for responsible exploration beyond our planet.

Furthermore, the fixation on extraterrestrial resources might distract us from the pressing issues at hand. Instead of competing for supremacy in space, nations and corporations should collaborate to find innovative solutions to climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. A united effort to fix our home planet can pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious future. We can make a start to repair and reuse electrical goods for instance, as illustrated in our Circular Economies Local Community Model. This can reduce costs of repair, but it also allows consumers to have more control in our communities on how we consume where we live and deliver financial benefits and social value to citizens and repairers who participate in Registering their Appliances with the award winning EEESafe.

There is in fact a race on for the dark side of the moon, with private investors funding rockets and plans to service more trips. It seems only Nasa and China are the real players. It’s believed water is there and is a plan for the moon to be a base by around 2030 and this is to get us to Mars. It takes a year to get to Mars, so the resource expenditure for all this is huge and I believe is somewhat fantasy land to expect to get billions of humans to another planet before earth becomes unlivable.

In conclusion, the rush for rare earth minerals in space exploration is an exciting prospect, but it comes with a significant environmental cost. Prioritising Earth and addressing the challenges we face at home should take precedence over the race to be leaders in space. By adopting responsible practices and focusing on sustainable solutions, we can ensure that our journey into the cosmos is one that respects and preserves the precious home we call Earth.