Published on: 2026-07-20
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 20, 2026 Climate and Environment
Amid the rapid development of lunar programs, the UN has called on countries to ensure that humanity’s return to the Moon does not lead to negative consequences for Earth and the future of space activities.
“Decades of rapid development in space activities have shown that each launch leaves an environmental footprint, and a full assessment of its consequences may take considerable time. That is why it is so important to take into account the environmental sustainability of these programs at the early stages,” said Jason Jabbour, a senior staff member of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Why this matters
The amount of space debris in Earth orbit is rapidly increasing.
Pollution related to satellites can affect the atmosphere and the ozone layer.
UN treaties call for a responsible approach to space exploration and the reduction of space debris.
Space defense helps to preserve life and ecosystems on Earth.
Despite existing international agreements aimed at preventing space pollution, it is estimated that around 140 million fragments of space debris larger than one millimeter currently orbit the Earth. Most of them are too small to be tracked, yet even they are capable of damaging satellites and spacecraft.
Satellite constellations
Satellites that have failed eventually enter Earth’s atmosphere, releasing metals such as aluminum, lithium, and copper. Scientists are studying whether these substances can affect the chemical composition of the atmosphere, cloud formation, and the ozone layer.
Additional threats are also posed by rocket stages that separate. For example, some of them remain in orbit for many years before breaking up or falling to Earth, while others break into thousands of fragments. It is estimated that hundreds of tons of spacecraft and rocket bodies enter the atmosphere annually. This volume is expected to increase as satellite constellations expand.
The congestion of orbits is also affected by smaller objects left after space missions, including bolts, lens caps, and protective covers.
In addition, as a result of collisions and explosions, fine particles are formed, which scientists believe are already making the night sky brighter.
Persisting risks
Although most spacecraft burn up upon re-entry into the atmosphere, larger heat-resistant components can reach the Earth’s surface, posing a threat to people, infrastructure, and marine organisms.
For millennia, the Moon has fascinated humanity, inspiring mythology and science and helping people navigate space. At the same time, its powerful gravitational influence has subtly shaped the conditions of life on Earth.
On the occasion of International Moon Day, celebrated on July 20, the United Nations draws attention not only to the significance of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor but also to the environmental issues accompanying the new era of space exploration.
The role of the Moon in sustaining life on Earth
Located nearly 400,000 kilometers from Earth, the Moon causes tides that oxygenate coastal waters, transport nutrients, and help sustain rich marine ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef. According to scientists, studying the Moon also provides important insights into the origin and evolution of the Solar System.
In recent years, interest in lunar research has sharply increased. For example, this year, as part of NASA’s Artemis 2 mission, four astronauts completed a ten-day orbit around the Moon. This mission became part of plans to ensure a long-term human presence on its surface in the 2030s. China, India, Japan, and several private companies are also implementing large-scale lunar programs. However, as space activities expand, concerns about their environmental impact are also growing.
The concept of environmentally sustainable use of outer space implies that space exploration and activities beyond Earth must be carried out in a manner that preserves the space environment for future generations.
Protection measures
In this regard, UN member states have adopted guidelines aimed at limiting the creation of space debris. They provide for waste reduction, prevention of explosions and intentional destruction of spacecraft, as well as the safe removal of decommissioned satellites and rocket stages from orbit.
According to the 1972 UN Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, launching states are responsible for damage caused by their space objects on Earth, including during launches jointly carried out by several countries.
To address new risks, UNEP and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs are jointly working to deepen scientific understanding of the environmental consequences of space activities and to incorporate environmental protection measures into the future governance framework for this sector.
The UN emphasizes: as humanity prepares for a long-term return to the Moon, the protection of outer space and the Earth’s environment must remain one of the main priorities of the new phase of exploration.
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