A.C. Grayling

Who Owns the Moon?

Starts at: Saturday 19 October 2:00 PM
Finishes at: Saturday 19 October 3:00 PM

Buy Who Owns the Moon?

Become a Friend

The short answer is ‘nobody’. But with Earth’s resources dwindling just as commercial and military activities in space expand, the question which needs addressing is how to prevent the Moon from becoming yet another area of human conflict. The wealth of resources found there - including silicon, lithium, titanium - make it a hugely attractive prospect for commercial development but one that could only too easily be exploited by the few at the expense of the many. International agreements seek to protect similar areas on Earth, such as the nationless expanse of Antarctica. Would that work in space?

What is required, states Grayling, is a bold new global consensus which it is acknowledges that, although no one owns the Moon, everyone is responsible for it.

AC Grayling is the Founder and Principal of the New College of the Humanities at Northeastern University, London, and its Professor of Philosophy.  

For A.C. Grayling's official website click here.

Sponsored by Chris and Rosie Inge