Space-based Earth Observations for climate security

• Essential data source. Earth Observation (EO) satellites are the principal source of global, timely data on the environmental health of the planet, and UK scientists are at the forefront in developing
technologies to translate EO data into actionable information.
• Critical monitoring and verification. EO data are vital for monitoring the causes and effects of climate change, achieving rigour in the Paris Agreement global “stocktakes” and for emergency responses to environmental disasters.
• Route to inform society. EO data are used to engage and inform society about how climate is changing and the impacts of those changes on our lives, livelihoods and the natural world. It is essential that these EO data are open and freely available and made accessible in formats that do not require expert knowledge.
• Human resource is a limiting factor. To fully realise the benefits from EO in the above areas, expansion of the pool of people with advanced EO science skills and knowledge is needed. Advances in technology will also be required to exploit the potential of EO data.
• The EU Copernicus EO programme, in partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and other national space agencies, is the most ambitious EO initiative in the world and central to global climate monitoring. The UK science and technology community have made key contributions to Copernicus
and should continue to do so to maximise its long-term impact alongside contributions to other complementary international space programmes.