The overwhelming feelings felt when viewing Earth from space are not what makes the Overview Effect desirable. These emotions aren't always pleasant, as Shatner's intense anguish made clear.
Instead, the spontaneous and potent consciousness that arises is of interest to scientists, astronauts, and space philosophers. Diverse astronauts' accounts of the experience reveal a common theme: a bond with Earth that motivates environmental protection.
Standing on solid ground can bring about an epiphany about the value of nature. There is ample evidence that "environmental epiphanies" are unrelated to any particular religious or cultural beliefs. Environmental epiphanies, which like the Overview Effect in that they involve intense emotions and instantaneous awareness, can be experienced for free in everyday situations like reading a book at home. Environmental epiphanies can also result in long-lasting transformation, similar to the Overview Effect.
Misaligned marketing strategies, such as Virgin Galactic's promotion of the Overview Effect, must be carefully considered as space tourism continues to "take off." It is not required for us to launch into space and produce the significant pollution that does so in order for us to wish to preserve our planet.