Astrobiology and Society in Europe Today, 1st ed. 2018 SpringerBriefs in Astronomy Series

This White Paper describes the state of astrobiology in Europe today and its relation to the European society at large. With contributions from authors in twenty countries and over thirty scientific institutions worldwide, the document illustrates the societal implications of astrobiology and the positive contribution that astrobiology can make to European society.

The White paper has two main objectives: 1. It recommends the establishment of a European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) as an answer to a series of challenges relating to astrobiology but also European research, education and the society at large. 2. It also acknowledges the societal implications of astrobiology, and thus the role of the social sciences and humanities in optimizing the positive contribution that astrobiology can make to the lives of the people of Europe and the challenges they face.

Executive Summary                                                                                                         5

Acknowledgements                                                                                                         6

Abbreviations                                                                                                                   7

1. Astrobiology and Society in Europe                                                                                     9

1.1 Introduction                                                                                                                     9

1.3 What is Astrobiology?                                                                                                   10

2. The International Context of Astrobiology                                                                        12

2.1 Introduction                                                                                                                   12

2.2 European Astrobiology Research to Date                                                                      13

2.3 American Experience                                                                                                     15

2.4.1 Africa                                                                                                                    16

2.4.2 Asia                                                                                                                       16

2.4.3 Latin America                                                                                                       17

2.5 Current Regulations and Planetary Protection                                                               18

3. Society, Worldview and Outreach                                                                                      20

3.1 Introduction                                                                                                                   20

3.3 Popularisation, Dissemination and Outreach                                                                 21

3.4 Rethinking Humanity’s Place in the Universe                                                               23

3.5 Astrobiology and Religion                                                                                             24

4. Environment and Sustainability                                                                                         26