climate change & sustainability

Space technologies such as satellite imagery already provide some of the best ways to monitor climate change, and further investment in space-based solar power can relieve the need to burn fossil fuels on Earth.  

NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch program uses satellite imagery to enable experts and decision makers to monitor climate impacts and better understand the link between environmental conditions and ecosystem impacts. Satellites could also help identify areas that have ideal solar or wind conditions for renewable energy sources. Experts also advocate for the development of solar power satellites, components of which are already being tested in space. These satellites could generate electricity on a 24/7/365 basis, regardless of weather conditions, at a cost far lower than fossil fuels.

With a threat as imminent as climate change present, humanity needs the best data available and all avenues of energy sustainability should be explored - especially solar power satellites. Space matters because the Earth depends on it. 

References:

1. NOAA: Coral Reef Watch

2. Morgan Stanley: Does Earth’s Future Depend on Space?

3. Space.com: Space solar power's time may finally be coming

4.  John Mankins, The Case for Space Solar Power. (The Virginia Edition, 2013)