TEHRAN –The World Space Week Association has announced the theme of the World Space Week 2024, October 4 to 10, will be 'Space and Climate Change'.

The theme highlights the transformative impact of space technology on climate change and emphasizes the key role of space exploration in enhancing our understanding and management of global climate, Mehr news agency reported.

The World Space Week 2024 will seek to educate, inspire, and effectively connect global communities by focusing on the powerful alliance between space technology and climate science.

Throughout the week, efforts will be made to highlight the vital role of satellites and space technology in monitoring climate change and developing effective strategies to reduce the harmful effects of climate change.

“We will emphasize the essential role that space plays in monitoring the Earth’s climate and mitigating climate change,” World Space Week Association quoted  Dennis Stone, Association President, as saying.

“This theme aims to spark worldwide educational and public outreach initiatives, showcasing the crucial and integral part that space plays in understanding our global environment,” he said.

It will be the 25th celebration of World Space Week since its declaration by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999, Stone noted.

“We hope that World Space Week 2024 initiates a global conversation about the connection between space and climate change,” said Alma Okpalefe, the Association’s Executive Director.

“As space research equips us with vital data about the health of our planet, we must utilize it to effect meaningful climate action,” she said. 

The United Nations General Assembly declared in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10. These dates commemorate two events:

October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening the way for space exploration

October 10, 1967: The signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies.

Holding World Space Week aims to provide unique leverage in space outreach and education, educate people around the world about the benefits that they receive from space, encourage greater use of space for sustainable economic development, demonstrate public support for space programs, excite young people about science, technology, engineering, and math, and foster international cooperation in space outreach and education.

World Space Week consists of thousands of space-related events held by space agencies, aerospace companies, schools, museums, astronomy clubs, and others in a common timeframe to achieve greater student and public impact through synchronization.  

MT/MG