What are the ethical issues of moving humanity into outer space? Find out more about the questions we need to answer, with astrophysics engineer Erika Nesvold.

00:00 Frome astronomer to space ethicist
7:21 Why worry about ethics in space?
8:40 How will we live with the space environment?
11:19 Who owns space?
12:57 How will we share space?
17:39 How can we protect the space environment?
19:49 What is there is life in outer space?
23:41 Criminal justice in space - space prisons?
30:35 Dissent and liberty in space
36:41 Medical emergencies in space
42:53 Future generations in space
48:03 Suggestions for how we can live in space

Buy Erika's book here: https://geni.us/WNXZB
Watch the Q&A (exclusively for channel members) here:    • Q&A: The ethics of space settlement -...  

This talk was recorded by the Ri on 10 August 2023.

Incorporating research from ethics, sociology, history, and law, Nesvold brings a unique interdisciplinary mix to this critical topic. From the environment to labour rights and medical ethics, discover the importance of a global conversation on these issues as we move towards a future of multi-planetary habitation.

As space settlement becomes an increasingly pressing reality, Nesvold challenges us to consider not only the scientific and technological aspects of such a venture, but also the ethical implications. Join us for this important and thought-provoking lecture, as we hear from one of the leading voices in the field of space ethics.

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Erika Nesvold has a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Maryland and has performed computational astrophysics research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Carnegie Institution for Science, NASA Ames, and SETI. She now works as an Astrophysics Engineer for the educational astrophysics software Universe Sandbox. This is a video game, astrophysics simulator, artistic medium, and educational software all in one, and Erika has applied her computational astrophysics expertise to simulate everything from galaxy dynamics to surface water flow. She is the co-founder of the JustSpace Alliance, a nonprofit whose mission is to advocate for a more inclusive and ethical future in space, and to harness visions of tomorrow for a more just and equitable world today. She is the author of Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space and the co-editor of Reclaiming Space: Progressive and Multicultural Visions of Space Exploration.


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