The planet is suffering the effects of climate change, global warming and the rapid consumption of natural resources. Professor Ram Jakhu of McGill University in Canada believes the solution to Earth’s problems lies in space. The space law expert argued humans need to give dutiful consideration to moving off-planet in the foreseeable future.
Professor Jakhu said: “The humanity’s home, the planet Earth, is dying primarily because of human activities.
“The salvation of humanity lies in and from space.
“Space technology is indispensable for sustainability of human life and survivability of mankind.”
The space law expert presented his dire doomsday scenario at the first Space Science and Investment Congress hosted by the micro-nation Asgardia in Darmstadt, Germany, between October 14 and October 16.
In his opinion, humans mist first establish a set of space laws that will govern a peaceful existence in space.
Professor Jakhu said: “It is imperative to have safe and peaceful outer space environment in order to read numerous benefits derived from space as well as assuring humanity’s survival.
“The achievement and maintenance of such environment heavily depends on the rule of law.
“The global space governance system that has been created since the beginning of the space age, primarily initiated by the 1976 Outer Space Treaty, worked well in the past but is under threat now.”
Professor Jakhu warned of “populistic” and “nationalist agendas on the rise” threatening peace in space.
Professor Jakhu did, however, note it would be unwise for humans to colonise space without setting out a comprehensive legal framework beforehand.
If these space laws are not followed for the common good of mankind in space, humans risk war over natural resources and territories outside of Earth.
Professor Jakhu said: “Moral values must determine the course of science and technology.
“According to Gandhi, ‘science without humanity’ is a sin.
“Albert Einstein considered morality as indispensable to the survival of humanity.
“Human values of humanity and morality are to be reflected in the legal norms regulating all space activities.”
The international scientific consensus states climate change is the biggest threat to human existence.
But there are other threats such as asteroids, that also threatens to end all life as we know it.
Professor Jakhu said: “Outer space offers tremendous opportunities and tremendous benefits for the habitants of planet Earth.”
