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Earth, Sun & Moon: law & peaceful cooperation in outer space

A dynamic conversation in a unique art studio setting: outer space, AI and legal experts address legal and philosphical frameworks for safe and peaceful activity in outer space, with an emphasis on respect for the nature of that space.

25th September, 19:00 - 22:00, New York City
In person only

A source of awe, inspiration and nature’s rhythm, outer space remains one of the world’s greatest interests and mysteries.

 While the increased use of outer space has brought considerable benefits to science, commerce and even environmental advocacy, it has also led to increased military tensions, as well as the rapid exploitation of the outer space environment, leading to its de facto privatisation and exploitation by a small handful of powerful actors. Existing international space law cannot adequately regulate these developments, and due to scientific uncertainties it is unclear how well outer space’s natural environment can do so itself.

History has shown that nature cannot be exploited without consequence, and there are important links between the use and regulation of outer space and climate change. In the midst of NYC Climate Week, this event aims to highlight the connections between biodiversity (earth), climate (the sun), and outer space (celestial bodies, such as the moon), as well as emerging legal perspectives and solutions, in particular ecocide law, that could credibly address all of these.  More broadly, we hope to reflect the interconnected nature of regulation of the Earth and the space around her.


Areas to address: 

What are the philosophical and cultural qualities of outer space? Who owns the moon? Should there be limits to the exploitation of outer space? What are the scientific consequences of interference with celestial bodies? How do we preserve celestial bodies sustainably? What are the existing regulation gaps and how do we fill them?


Venue:

This event will be hosted in artist Dustin Yellin’s studio in Brooklyn, New York. We hope that by centering art and culture we can invite a diverse audience, reflecting outer space’s unique interest to all.


Participants:

Professor Kai-Uwe Schrogl

President, International Institute of Space Law; Special Advisor for Political Affairs, European Space Agency

Anna Maddrick

CEO, Legal Pact for the Future / Legal Adviser to the Republic of Vanuatu on ecocide law

Aeron Boley

Co-Director, Outer Space Institute, Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy, University of British Columbia

Dan Mapes

Founder and President, VERSES AI / The Spatial Web Foundation

Jojo Mehta

CEO, Stop Ecocide International 

 

Indigenous Spokesperson (tbc)

Vanuatu Spokesperson (tbc)

Moderated by:

Lauren Banham

Program Director, Legal Pact for the Future

 
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September 16

[FR] Invitation à rejoindre la coalition naissante Stop Ecocide International en France

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Day of artistic action in the Americas