It goes without saying that sky and space does not respect borders when one takes into consideration sustainability. International cooperation is unavoidable in terms of governance and how – we as citizens of Earth – manage our impact and preserve for future generations.
The EU is one such example which seeks to play its part in addressing concerns that arise from our activities whether that is in a civilian, commercial or military capacity. What is the EU’s contribution towards cleaner skies – and – can this also be extended to space? If so, what steps have been taken to alleviate increased activity? It is these questions which I am interested to assess and how this fits into the overall picture of worldwide efforts to tackle sustainability.
Background
The EU is an international organisation which includes 27 Member States from across Europe. If one digs a little deeper, a complex pictures begins to emerge. For instance, the Eurozone consists of 19 EU Member States or in the case of Iceland and Norway who are not EU Member States – yet – as members of the European Economic Area (EEA) they adhere to EU regulations of the Single Market.
It is also a familiar scenario when one looks at sky and space which is no less complicated in terms of the EU’s role and how it seeks to address sustainability. Transport – and in particular aviation – has long been a concern for the EU as one of the largest contributors to emissions. The Clean Sky Joint Undertaking is one such instance that was founded in order to play its part in addressing the impact of aviation.
In recent times, the commercialisation of space has also opened up the sector to new entrants. From the vantage point of sustainability, it has also raised concerns for its future growth and how to engage the industry as it seeks to make its mark. What steps have been taken and how is the EU encouraging the sector to contribute to its sustainable use? D-Orbit, an Italian startup has shown promise which has received financial support from the EU whose raison d’être is to tackle orbital debris.
Reaching for clean skies
Clean Sky brings together the EU and the likes of Airbus, Leonardo, Rolls-Royce and Thales, SMEs, academia and research centres which seeks to deliver climate-neutral aviation in Europe and beyond. It is wholly collaborative and international endeavour that encompasses EU Member States as well as associates and partners, such as Israel, Norway and the UK who also contribute.
In essence, it is a public-private partnership that was established as far back as 2008 and has its roots even earlier when policymakers and industry set out to anchor environmental measures and climate change objectives into an overarching framework as outlined in European Aeronautics: A Vision for 2020. It provided a strategic focus and signals near, medium and long-term commitment to sustainability.
The creation of the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe (ACARE) was one of its recommendations whose roadmap guides the industry. Flightpath 2050 has been at the heart of this which has shaped the research agenda and its goals which provides a normative steer towards addressing societal concerns. It takes a holistic view across the supply chain to not only meet regulatory obligations but firmly embed sustainability so that the industry is well positioned to spearhead the technology of tomorrow.
In tandem, the EU and aeronautical industry in Europe have taken concrete steps forward to mitigate the impact of aviation through research and development of innovative technology that will be at the cutting edge for the future. It is no mean but for engineering and alike: problem-solving and a challenge is welcomed for societal betterment. It is blue sky thinking and foresight paired with the art of the possible that is grounded in reality. In short, the results will pave the way for generations to come in which EU citizens – and – the world over will stand to benefit.
Up in the air to orbital space
Space – as well as our skies – also requires thought in terms of its sustainable use. In recent years, there has been a democratisation of space with the growth of commercial entrants which underscores it is no longer the preserve of a few nations or only governments. Nevertheless, it has raised the sustainability stakes as space-based assets have increased in low Earth orbit.
In an EU context, it is concern given how congested space has become and the risks that come with it. Further still, the environmental imperatives are stark not just for the EU – but for the entire globe – in light of how much we rely on satellite technology in our daily lives. Thus, international cooperation is required otherwise the use of space will be increasingly problematic if we reach a tipping point: Kessler syndrome. It posits that once we hit a critical mass – “peak orbital density” – if a domino effect were to occur it will cause catastrophic collision.
However, what action has the EU taken to address these? It is one to acknowledge the issue and another to create an environment which allows for mitigation to occur. The international focus is necessary and through continued dialogue in multilateral fora like the UN and its Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. It will provide an avenue to set out best practice and standards for the sustainable use of space.
Similarly, the EU can incentivise and offer financial support to private entities who wish to tackle space debris like D-Orbit. It is leadership that is required and if the EU does practice what it preaches on the green agenda – it will need to work together on an international scale to ensure that orbital debris does not become a tragedy of the commons so we can all continue to gain from the immense benefits that space provides to us on Earth.
Above and beyond: clean quest gathers pace
The EU has sought to blaze a trail in the sustainability of sky and space. Nonetheless, it is deeds not words which are the ultimate indicator of progress and success. Clean Sky and D-Orbit are two such examples that underscores measurable commitment and action taken to address the impact of aviation and the sustainable use of space.
Momentum will be key going forward. In the case of aviation, the pandemic has brought with it a whole host of challenges like no other. The industry can double down on efforts in sustainability which will provide technological developments that will be a boon for the sector in the coming decades.
Space – on the other hand – has been less affected. Nevertheless, it has shown us our considerable reliance on infrastructure whether that is the internet or satellite technology. It is why the EU’s clean quest in sky and space should remain at the forefront of policymakers and industry alike. Above and beyond – the EU should continue to aim high, dream big and lead from the front. In simple terms, do not underestimate the soft power of green diplomacy.