An international group of researchers is advocating for the establishment of a new 18th United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on reducing the amount of space debris orbiting Earth. They suggest that this new goal, SDG18, should draw inspiration from the existing SDG14: Life Below Water, utilizing strategies from managing marine debris to prevent a crisis in space before it escalates.
Researchers are urging the formation of a new United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) aimed at protecting and sustainably managing Earth’s orbit, specifically to curb the growth of space junk.
Currently, there are 17 SDGs that were established in 2015 by UN member states to inspire global actions against poverty, promote the safeguarding of our planet for future generations, and to foster peace and prosperity for all.
However, with the increasing number of satellites and other objects now encircling the Earth, there is escalating concern that without a worldwide agreement, one of Earth’s previously immaculate environments could change irreversibly.
An international team of experts from various fields, including satellite technology and ocean plastic pollution, has proposed an 18th SDG specifically for protecting the Earth’s orbit, as detailed in the journal One Earth.
The research indicates that approximately 100 countries engage in various degrees of space activities, and nearly 20,000 satellites have been launched into Earth’s orbit since the 1950s.
These satellites provide significant advantages to humanity, aiding in ecosystem monitoring, supporting global communication, and enabling services that billions rely on, like satellite TV and contactless payments.
However, once these satellites reach the end of their operational life, the team points out that decommissioned satellites, launch debris, and fragments from clashes can accumulate as space debris. This increases the likelihood of collisions with active satellites, which could hinder their operations and create even more debris.
While several organizations have acknowledged the need to tackle this issue, the authors believe that a new SDG could foster the global agreement and enforcement measures necessary to effectively manage the problem.
They propose that SDG18 could be modeled after SDG14: Life Below Water, learning from how marine debris is handled to avert another impending global crisis.
Additionally, they emphasize that this new goal would complement the existing SDGs, which reference space technology’s role in enhancing global understanding but overlook its potential for future complications.
The study involved contributions from researchers affiliated with several institutions, including the University of Plymouth, PBL Works, Arribada Initiative, University of Auckland, The University of Texas at Austin, Anturus Ltd, University of Maine, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Spaceport Cornwall, Slingshot Aerospace Ltd, and ZSL (Zoological Society of London).
This research builds upon a prior article published in Science in March 2023, where some of the same scientists called for a legally binding treaty to protect Earth’s orbit from potential harm as the global space industry continues to expand.
Dr. Imogen Napper, a Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, spearheaded the recent study with support from the National Geographical Society. She stated, “The urgency to protect and connect our natural environments—from oceans to Earth’s orbit—has never been greater. Both are crucial for our planet’s health, yet they face increasing threats from human activities. There is a rising awareness that marine litter knows no country boundaries, and the same applies to space debris. A UN-endorsed agreement would be a significant step toward safeguarding Earth’s orbit for future generations.”
Professor Heather Koldewey, ZSL’s Head of Ocean and FAIRER Conservation, remarked, “Similar to plastic pollution and climate change, space garbage is a global problem. Our continuous efforts to safeguard the oceans highlight the importance of UN-supported agreements in addressing this crisis. It is vital that we learn from our experiences in combating marine debris and take immediate action to protect our planet’s orbit.”
Dr. Thomas Dowling, a Lecturer in Remote Sensing & Geospatial Science at The University of Auckland, commented, “Not long ago, our oceans were seen as limitless resources to exploit and endless dumping grounds for waste. We now realize this perspective was fundamentally flawed—many marine areas have become desolate, with over eight million tons of plastic waste entering the oceans annually. Similar to our oceans, Earth’s orbit is a delicate area that requires regulation to prevent overexploitation. We must ensure that objects sent into space are safe, sustainable, and provide essential services for many individuals globally.”
Melissa Quinn, General Manager of the International Business Unit at Slingshot Aerospace, added, “The suggested 18th Sustainable Development Goal is a vital measure to preserve Earth’s orbit for future generations. Space plays a crucial role in our everyday lives—from global communications to climate change insights—yet the rapid increase in satellite launches, with 2,877 in 2023 alone (a ~15% rise from 2022), has heightened the risks of collisions and debris. In 2024, we recorded a 17% increase in the average number of close encounters of satellites in low Earth orbit. With over 12,500 spacecraft currently orbiting, including over 3,300 inactive satellites, urgent global collaboration is needed to ensure that space remains safe, sustainable, and secure. This new SDG presents a powerful opportunity to protect the advantages of space for all of humanity.”
