#EUSpace 4 Our planet VOL II: Safeguarding our ecosystems

Published: 
23 July 2021
By monitoring the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the EU environmental policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed.
By monitoring the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the EU environmental policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed.

Copernicus imagery and reference data coupled with EGNOS and Galileo positioning data enable the development of new services and applications that can act as a protective shield to the natural habitats of our planet.

Forests together with oceans are the Earth’s lungs. They provide us with fresh oxygen and purify water and air in addition to being home to thousands of species.  Deforestation, illegal activities such as logging or natural disasters such as wildfires pose a threat to forests and the biodiversity of our planet. Earth Observation (EO) images and in situ data from the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service are used to generate nearly real time forest change maps, that can be of use to national forest inventories and relevant ministries.

Synergies between EO and navigation are key in the preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of natural disasters. In the unfortunate event of wildfires for instance, it is important to have access to precise and up-to-date information for the delivery of an effective disaster management response. Copernicus can detect active fires, monitor their emissions, and prepare smoke forecasts. The forecasts are used in air quality applications to help people limit their exposure to pollution, and policymakers and local authorities to manage the impact of fires. EGNOS and Galileo support the response and recovery phases of disaster management by providing accurate and reliable positioning when rescue teams need guidance to reach the affected area especially and visibility is reduced due to the fire, smoke, or fog.

At sea, both Copernicus and Galileo are game changers in assisting local authorities enforce existing regulations and measures, such as preventing vessels from remaining at a protected area for a prolonged time. Likewise, Copernicus can track oil spills or maritime incidents such as the recent Suez Canal obstruction and thus contribute to a quicker crisis management. 

Most importantly, data and services deriving from the EU Space Programme are valuable tools at the disposal of Member States and EU policymakers that allow them to develop informed and future-proof environmental policies. By monitoring for example, the increase or decrease in the levels of methane leaks or CO2 emissions we are able to assess if the policies in place are effective and adapt them accordingly if needed. For Europe to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, it is going to be an uphill climb, yet EU Space promises to unlock challenges and help the Union step up its game in the fight against climate change. 

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Updated: Dec 08, 2022