An Interplanetary Land Ethic

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2022

Keywords

space exploration, interplanetary land ethic, expansion

Abstract

It might seem counterintuitive amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to make such an argument, but humanity stands upon the shores of crewed deep space exploration and our inevitable peregrination among the planets. The boons to our psychological and cultural evolution will be inestimable. However, it is prudent to first question the assumptions upon which such expansion will be based. How do we as a species wish to affect the natural environments of the solar system? How will we seek to evolve as we slowly but certainly become an interplanetary species? In this article, the authors take the position that landscapes worthy of preservation for both knowledge and spirit exist not only on Earth but among the many planetary bodies of the solar system. The Moon and Mars serve as relatively nearby case studies to which an interplanetary land ethic might be developed and applied. The authors seek here not to promote a solution, but to initiate a global discussion regarding how this could be done.

Department

Educational Leadership

Online ISSN

2692-2932

Publication Title

Sustainability and Climate Change

DOI

10.1089/scc.2021.0068

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Rights Statement

In Copyright