ESA unveils new EO science strategy to tackle global challenges

ESA unveils new EO science strategy to tackle global challenges
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Oct 08, 2024

The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched its new Earth Observation Science Strategy, 'Earth Science in Action for Tomorrow's World', aimed at addressing escalating environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather. The strategy, which looks forward to 2040, sets the course for leveraging satellite-based Earth monitoring to support policy and action towards a more sustainable future.

Simonetta Cheli, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, emphasized the critical role of satellite technology in guiding decisions that shape our planet's future. "As a space agency, it is our duty to harness the unique power of Earth observing technology to inform the critical decisions that will shape our future," said Cheli. "Our new Earth Observation Science Strategy underscores a science-first approach where satellite technology provides data that contribute to our collective understanding of the Earth system as a whole, so that solutions can be found to address global environmental challenges."

The strategy shifts its focus to understanding the feedbacks and interconnections within the Earth system, with six major thematic objectives: the water cycle, the carbon cycle and chemistry, energy fluxes, ecosystem health, extremes and hazards, and interfaces and coupling in the Earth system.

The document reflects over a year of consultation with the Earth science community and key stakeholders. It also includes 23 Guiding Questions that highlight knowledge gaps and critical Earth system science issues, where satellite technology can offer unique insights. These questions are designed to focus future research efforts and further shape ESA's Earth Observation Programmes.

Cheli noted ESA's continued commitment to pioneering satellite technology, adding, "From our groundbreaking Earth Explorer research missions, which push the boundaries of observation technology to achieve scientific excellence, to our pivotal role in developing the Copernicus Sentinel satellites with the European Union, ESA continues to define the state-of-the-art for monitoring Earth's evolving environment. The Science Strategy builds on these accomplishments, aiming to drive the next generation of satellite innovations essential for tackling the world's most pressing environmental challenges."

'Earth Science in Action for Tomorrow's World' outlines ESA's commitment to equipping scientists, policymakers, and societies with the data needed to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

Research Report:Earth Science in Action for Tomorrow's World