Debate focuses on conserving resources

Abu Dhabi: The money spent on space exploration can be justified if humanity also combats the other problems plaguing our planet, a set of high-school pupils told Gulf News.

Space exploration is useful because it allows for technological advancements, especially in the fields of telecommunications and robotics. But funds should also be used to conserve resources, alleviate poverty and educate people in developing countries, the pupils of the Cambridge High School Abu Dhabi said.

"Even if humanity finds another planet to inhabit, we cannot afford to carry the problems we have created anywhere else. Just look at the amount of money people spend on harmful goods like cigarettes," the teenage-debate group said. The pupils had earlier participated in a debate about the need for space exploration, organised by the school to mark the UN World Space Week.

More to explore

"The debate was one of a series of activities which also included a science exhibition and a space-themed fashion in which pupils dressed as aliens and in outfits fashioned from recycled materials," Peter Lugg, principal of the Cambridge High School, said.

Lugg added that the World Space Week sought to highlight the need for both space exploration and resource conservation.

"As we look outside this planet for habitation, we also need to work on solving pressing problems like pollution, world hunger and conflicts. This week of celebrations therefore helps our students understand the effect of their actions on this planet while also developing their public speaking and research skills," Lugg said.

He added that a number of exhibits organised by pupils from kindergarten up to grade 13 had been set up at the school's premises.

Mahnoon Ahmar and Chetna Garj, grade 11 pupils who built a solar water heater, highlighted the merits of their creation.

"This heater is cheap, uses no gas or electricity, and could be conveniently placed on top of a house. Using environmentally-friendly contraptions like this can help us reduce global warming," they said.

Another group said that understanding space was necessary to conserve the only habitable planet.