In conversation with the Institute
Thomas Zurbuchen: Space allows us to see the world with different eyes
A physicist explains why space exploration is important to advance the scientific approach to sustainability and why being optimistic is a wise approach.
Thomas H. Zurbuchen, known in the space community as Dr. Z, is a Swiss-American astrophysicist, leader, and innovator. Born in Switzerland in 1968, he studied physics at the University of Bern where he was awarded a PhD in 1996. He then went to the University of Michigan where he was Professor of Space Science and Aerospace Engineering. His scientific research focuses on solar and heliospheric physics, experimental space research, and space systems. In October 2016 he became NASA’s Head of Science, which he remained until 2022. During this time his achievements include bringing the international James Webb Telescope to launch, overseeing two Mars landings—the Perseverance rover and the first controlled flight away from the Earth with the Ingenuity helicopter—and developing the Parker Solar Probe, a mission to touch the Sun. Thomas is currently the head of the ETH Space Initiative.
Why is exploring the universe beyond Earth important and could a better understanding of the universe help us become better (more sustainable) earthlings?
Why is exploring the universe beyond Earth important and could a better understanding of the universe help us become better (more sustainable) earthlings?
Exploring the universe has been a truly human quest for almost our entire history, there is evidence even in ancient and religious texts. What we have learned from that activity has and will serve human progress.
Going into space has allowed us to observe our planet and provided the best tools to understand and mitigate climate change.
The “Earthrise” picture taken in Apollo 8 has illustrated the Earth’s vulnerability and fragility. What could be a similar aha-moment for people today to start caring more about this planet?
The “Earthrise” picture taken in Apollo 8 has illustrated the Earth’s vulnerability and fragility. What could be a similar aha-moment for people today to start caring more about this planet?
What’s unique about the earthrise picture is the context of its origination—during one of the riskiest missions of human exploration ever. Besides the fragility, it also demonstrated the unity of the Earth and its inhabitants.
I believe pictures that allow us to take a step back and observe the context of our own existence as an individual human on Earth but also as humanity could have similar effects.
How should we tackle the emotions involved in the climate change debate?
How should we tackle the emotions involved in the climate change debate?
When facing challenges as big and global as climate change, seeing the full bandwidth of reactions that humans are capable of is natural. Thus, we should see reactions based on empirical data which is how scientist tend to learn. But we should also see emotional reactions. We’re all humans. And that is also true for environmentalists, who are deeply concerned about the issue.
Emotional reactions, whether personal or in a political context can have negative consequences. Therefore, everyone should be thinking about secondary reactions to their own communication. I’m passionate about scientific communication being used in a way that tries to prevent a destructive counter reaction.
Can we improve communication of climate science and increase trust in science?
Can we improve communication of climate science and increase trust in science?
I think there are three important concepts from the study of communication. First, it matters who communicates. Even though some people have more information on climate change, they are not always the best communicators on the subject. For example, studies have shown that members of a community can be better communicators to their peers than external experts, because they come from a relatable background and outlook.
Second, how we communicate is important. I think communicating empathetically as opposed to dogmatically is the most successful strategy. People will tune out if you give them the impression they have no agency in the matter. The opposite is true if you communicate from a more open and relatable position. And third, what we communicate. The scientific community has improved in explaining what the data are and giving a rounded picture of the contexts. That said, we still have ways to go.
Are you an optimist about humanity’s future (on Earth or in space)?
Are you an optimist about humanity’s future (on Earth or in space)?
Yes, I am. I think many things are much better today than they used to be decades or centuries ago—the freedom we have to determine our lives being one.
I believe optimism is fertile ground for future ideas, and therefore we are wise to be optimists.
The interviewee is external to UBS and the answers provided do not necessarily reflect UBS’s view.
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