Let’s talk about space. As an Indigenous person space is a sacred area because the Eastern Band Cherokee Indians believe that we were from the stars and our creator placed us on Earth. Thus, space is the source of life from our point of view, and I want to talk about the debris in space and how greenhouse gasses play a big part in it.

Our planet is warming up, primarily due to the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. These gases are released from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. They trap heat in our atmosphere that leads to climate change. We’re seeing more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions in ecosystems. This is a challenge that demands our immediate attention and a global shift towards sustainable practices and renewable energy.

Now, let’s look up to the sky. Orbiting our planet are millions of pieces of space debris – defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from collisions. This debris, ranging from tiny paint flecks to entire spacecraft, pose a significant threat to active satellites, including those vital for weather forecasting, communication, and navigation. A collision in orbit can create even more debris, leading to a cascade effect known as the Kessler Syndrome, which could render certain orbital paths unusable.

The connection between these two issues becomes clear when we consider the resources and energy involved in launching objects into space. Rocket launches, while awe-inspiring, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. The production of components for satellites and rockets also has an environmental footprint. Furthermore, as our reliance on space technology grows, so does the potential for more space debris, especially if we don’t develop more sustainable approaches to space exploration and satellite deployment. The very technologies that help us monitor climate change from space are themselves contributing to the problem of space debris.

Ultimately, both greenhouse gases and space debris are byproducts of human activity and our pursuit of technological advancement without always fully considering the long-term environmental consequences. The solutions for both lie in innovation, international cooperation, and a commitment to sustainability. For greenhouse gases, it’s about transitioning to clean energy and reducing our carbon footprint. For space trash, it’s about designing satellites for deorbiting, improving tracking capabilities, and developing active debris removal technologies. Addressing these challenges isn’t just about protecting our planet or our orbital environment; it’s about securing a sustainable future for humanity, both on Earth and beyond.

Photo of speech delivery at retreat by Rowan Hood
Youth Climate Presentation: Martha’s Vineyard Program 2026.

Students collaborating during the Martha’s Vineyard retreat, 2026.