Personal Perspective on Space Week - By Paulette Watson

Space and Climate Change: A Journey Back to My Childhood Dreams

Space Week is special in my heart, stirring memories of star-filled nights and long conversations with my parents. Growing up, my siblings and I would sit around the kitchen table, captivated by stories about the universe. We imagined what it would be like to live among the stars, to journey beyond Earth’s boundaries into the great unknown. My parents often reminded us that it was all just a dream, but I couldn’t help being fascinated by the thought of faraway galaxies and their mysteries.

At primary school, I was mesmerised by the TV series "The Boy from Space." The way the boy appeared from the sky, descending from his spacecraft and speaking robotically, filled my young mind with wonder. I'd rush home, eager to share every detail with my parents, only to hear them remind me that it wasn’t real. But even then, I held onto the belief that I could be a part of that world one day.

As I grew older, I noticed the lack of representation of people who looked like me in space narratives, including my beloved sci-fi franchises. I remember being excited when I finally saw a Black Woman in the Star Wars universe, even though it took decades for that to happen. Characters like Jannah from "The Rise of Skywalker" (2019) and the recent announcements of Amandla Stenberg and Jodie Turner-Smith in upcoming projects are steps in the right direction, but there is still so much work to be done. The historical absence of Black women in significant roles within the Star Wars franchise highlights a broader issue—the need for authentic representation in science fiction and space exploration.

I was over the moon when I led the Regional London FIRST LEGO League in 2019.?The tournament's theme was "Into Orbit," it was all about space. It was a proud moment when our group emerged victorious, but even more so because the participants from the #BeMeDigitalinclusion program played a crucial role in that success. I watched as they dove into the challenge, focusing on solving a societal issue—the health of astronauts.

During our six-week #BeMe summer camp, these young minds explored the impact of space travel on human health. They built a website to track and analyse astronauts’ diets, working on solutions to help manage weight gain and loss during space missions. Seeing their dedication and understanding of how technology can impact our space environment was a defining moment for me.

But as my passion for space grows, so does my concern about the industry's lack of representation. There is still a long way to go to ensure that the global majority, particularly black women, have equal opportunities to participate in the conversation around space and climate change.

That’s why the #BeMeDigitalinclusion sustainable event, happening tomorrow, 11th October 2024, in the UK, is so significant. It’s not just about celebrating achievements; it's about raising awareness and highlighting opportunities for everyone, especially underrepresented groups. This event is our call to action—to inspire young minds, break down barriers, and ensure that everyone has a seat at the table when discussing the future of space.

Takeaways:

1. Representation matters in the space industry, and we must actively work to include diverse voices in this field.
2. Space and climate change are interconnected issues that require global, inclusive solutions.

Call to Action: Let’s come together to create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can reach for the stars. Join us in our mission to make space and STEM fields accessible for all through the #BeMeDigitalinclusion program.

#BeMedigitalinclusion #AI #Climatechange #SDGs13

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