Description
In this paper, I discuss how innovations of outer space technologies are represented in popular media articles, and assess what this means for contemporary environmentalism. Science and Technology Studies (STS) has offered us tools for understanding how technology developers influence public imaginaries in order to secure support and funding for their ventures. By tying real innovation to science fiction tropes and imagery of humans living among the stars, billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos can be presented as saving humanity from the risks of climate change. I provide evidence from popular media articles which maintain this view, as well as articles which challenge it, and I question whether it is safe to place humankind’s future in the hands of a powerful elite. I argue that space exploration and colonisation could be useful for humans, but that this should not take precedence over tackling climate change on Earth. I suggest that viewing a socioeconomic elite as our protectors risks discouraging action against climate change, by implying that leaving Earth is a solution in itself.
