Throughout history, humanity has gazed at the stars, utilizing celestial movements for navigation and storytelling. Today, technological advancements have brought the dream of space travel closer to reality, with plans for space tourism, lunar missions, and extraterrestrial resource extraction gaining momentum.
The prospect of mining the moon’s untapped resources, including water, helium-3, and rare earth metals, has sparked a new era of space industrialization. However, as academics researching environmental sustainability, we are deeply concerned about the implications of resource exploitation on lunar and space environments.
In light of the Anthropocene concept, which recognizes the profound impact of human activity on Earth’s geology and ecosystems, there is growing discourse about the need to extend this concept to include the moon. Stratigraphers and researchers advocate for a “lunar Anthropocene,” marking the human-induced changes to the moon’s surface since the dawn of space exploration.
The case for a lunar Anthropocene is compelling, considering the accumulation of human debris and the imminent increase in lunar activities, including NASA’s Artemis missions. Just as industrialization and extractivism have altered Earth’s landscapes, our throwaway society is now leaving its mark on the moon, with over 500,000 pounds of human waste littering its surface.
The urgency to address these issues is underscored by the parallels between environmental degradation on Earth and the potential threats to lunar habitats. Without a concerted effort to rethink our consumption patterns and prioritize environmental stewardship, we risk perpetuating the cycle of habitat destruction and resource depletion both on Earth and in space.
By naming a lunar Anthropocene, we aim to raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility among stakeholders involved in lunar exploration and resource extraction. It is our hope that this recognition will serve as a cautionary tale, prompting thoughtful consideration of our impact on celestial bodies and the imperative to safeguard the integrity of lunar environments for future generations.
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