Why You Should Care About Space When Earth Is Burning

I was sitting in Washington, D.C., scrolling through the news, when I saw the images of wildfires tearing through California. Even from 3,000 miles away, the devastation felt personal—because Los Angeles is my hometown. Seeing those skies filled with smoke and knowing the toll on lives, homes, and communities broke my heart. It reminded me of the tragedy in Maui just months earlier.

Wildfires like these are no longer isolated events. They’re becoming part of the new normal—a stark reminder that we’re living through the age of climate crisis.

So here’s the question: How do we stop this from happening again?

One of the answers, believe it or not, might be found far above us, in space.

Now, I understand the skepticism. The space industry has gotten a bad reputation, tied up with the flashy antics of billionaires and the politics of “space tourism.” I’ve heard younger generations refer to it as “the colonization of space,” a phrase loaded with criticism. And I get it. I understand why many people feel that our focus should be on Earth.

But I also believe it’s important to see the bigger picture. The space industry isn’t just about leaving Earth behind—it’s about protecting it. And if we want to tackle crises like wildfires, drought, and rising sea levels, space could be one of the most powerful tools we have.

Satellites: Silent Heroes in the Fight Against Wildfires

Let’s start with what’s happening right now, as California burns. Did you know that satellites are some of our best tools for detecting and fighting wildfires?

These orbiting machines are equipped with thermal imaging and infrared sensors that can pinpoint hotspots long before flames spread out of control. During active wildfires, satellites provide critical data to firefighters on the ground, mapping danger zones in real-time. They also track smoke plumes and wind patterns, helping emergency responders make faster, safer decisions.

But it doesn’t stop there. Satellites are also preventing wildfires by monitoring drought conditions, soil moisture, and illegal deforestation. By analyzing this data, scientists can predict where fires are most likely to start and take action to reduce risks before disaster strikes.

The same technology is being used to address climate change on a larger scale—tracking rising sea levels, mapping carbon emissions, and helping communities adapt to extreme weather. This isn’t science fiction. It’s happening now.

Looking Past the Billionaires

When most people think about the space industry, they picture rocket launches, space tourism, and billionaires posing for zero-gravity selfies. It’s easy to see why space exploration might feel like a vanity project for the ultra-wealthy.

But the reality is so much bigger than the headlines. Behind the flashy personalities, there are thousands of scientists, engineers, and innovators—many of them in their 20s and 30s—working on solutions that could save lives and transform industries here on Earth.

I’ve spoken with younger people who feel conflicted about space, seeing it as a kind of escapism—a “colonization of space” that risks repeating the same mistakes we’ve made on Earth. And I understand those concerns.

But I also see the space industry as a critical resource, not just for the future, but for the challenges we’re facing today. Take asteroid mining, for example: while it sounds like a sci-fi plot, it could reduce the need for environmentally destructive mining practices on Earth. Experiments on space stations are teaching us how to grow food in harsh conditions—knowledge that could help farmers in drought-stricken regions.

Space exploration doesn’t mean abandoning Earth. It means giving ourselves more tools to solve Earth’s biggest problems.

Why Space Matters

I know the connection between space and wildfires isn’t obvious at first glance. But that’s the beauty of it: the solutions to some of our most pressing challenges might come from places we haven’t thought to look.

So, why should you care about space when Earth is burning? Because the tools we’re developing in space—satellites, data, technology—are already helping us fight those fires. They’re already helping us slow climate change, protect natural resources, and save lives.

It’s not about choosing between Earth and space. It’s about using space to take better care of Earth.

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If stories like this get you thinking about the unexpected ways space impacts our lives here on Earth, you’ll love my newsletter, In Her Orbit. It’s where I dive deeper into the connections between science, technology, and humanity—stories that show how space exploration is shaping our planet, our future, and the way we understand our place in the universe.

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