Working Group on Earth-Space Governance: Overview and Updates

Organized by Working Group on Earth-Space Governance

This session provides an overview of the Working Group on Earth-Space Governance, including the latest activities within and related to the Working Group. The Co-Conveners (Xiao-Shan Yap, Utrecht University and Rakhyun Kim, Utrecht University) begin by presenting the vision and objectives of the Working Group as well as a brief introduction of new members (Yap ~15 mins). Subsequently, the co-leads of the Reading Group (Luca Thanei, ETH Zurich and Marieluna Frank, Zeppelin University) report and reflect on the reading sessions they have been organizing in 2024, including highlights and topics covered (~10 mins). Next, the co-conveners will present the call for a Special Issue on ''Earth-Space Governance: Meanings, Approaches, Implications'' in the Earth System Governance Journal (Kim ~15 mins). This will be followed by a paper presentation as an example of a potential contribution to the Special Issue (Santiago Vrech, Utrecht University ~10 mins). The session continues with the introduction of a few new research projects affiliated with the Working Group, including the project 'Planetary Stewardship in view of Earth-Space Sustainability' (PLANETSTEWARDS) supported by the ERC (Yap, Utrecht University) and the project 'Futures-oriented Governance of Outer Space: Towards Peace, Equity, and Environmental Integrity' (FOGOS) supported by the EU COST (Florian Rabitz, Vilnius University). The Co-Conveners will subsequently outline future activities and milestones for the Working Group, including plans for 2025 (~ 5 mins). The session will end with questions and answers (Q&A) with the session participants (~ 10 mins).