Earth observation from space has developed rapidly over the past few decades thanks to advances in satellite technology. A growing number of satellites now continuously monitor our planet, tracking changes in the land, oceans, ice, and atmosphere. The data gathered from these satellites have become invaluable for understanding environmental change and informing policies that impact society.
Monitoring Climate Change
One of the most important applications of satellite data is in monitoring climate change. Satellites observe important climate variables like temperatures, sea ice extent, glacier mass balance, sea levels, cloud patterns and vegetation changes. By compiling long term satellite records, scientists can identify climate trends and improve climate models. This better understanding of the climate system helps inform mitigation policies that aim to reduce future warming. Satellites also play a key role in monitoring greenhouse gas emissions through measurements of atmospheric composition. This supports policies that look to curb emissions. Satellite records of climate extremes like floods, droughts and storms further assist adaptation planning.
Informing Disaster Management
Satellites play an indispensable role in disaster management around the world. When disasters like floods, storms or wildfires occur, emergency responders utilize satellite imagery to swiftly assess damage over wide areas and identify those most impacted. This allows better targeting of rescue efforts. Satellites also monitor developing natural hazards like volcanic unrest or tropical cyclones. This early warning enables preparedness measures like evacuations that save lives. During disaster recovery, new satellite imagery tracks rebuilding progress and the environmental impacts. This informs rebuilding programs and strategies. Recent advances in small satellite technology have enabled rapid revisits and near real-time monitoring to enhance disaster response.
Supporting Sustainable Development
Satellite Earth observations are increasingly vital for supporting sustainable development policies globally. High resolution satellite monitoring reveals trends in forests, agriculture, water resources, and soil health. This guides initiatives around conservation, food security and water management. Satellite data also measures air and water pollution, assisting environmental protection policies. Tracking urban expansion using satellite imagery further assists infrastructure and development planning in cities. Satellite records have also become central to monitoring progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They provide consistent quantitative indicators on poverty, health, inequality, infrastructure access and more to direct socio-economic programs.
New Commercial Applications
While satellite Earth observation data has long been gathered by government agencies, new private companies have recently begun operating large satellite constellations. This commercialization has enabled innovative applications utilizing frequent, high resolution imagery and analysis-ready data products. Areas seeing growth include infrastructure monitoring, supply chain tracking, insurance assessment, commodity trading, environmental reporting and more. The commercial sector applies satellite data to mining, oil and gas, agriculture, transport, construction and other industries. This is driving efficiency gains and business opportunities. However, appropriate regulation is required to address areas like privacy concerns.
Empowering the Public
An important impact of increasing satellite data is empowering the broader public. Online platforms now provide free access to imagery and environmental records. This allows non-profits, journalists, local communities and engaged citizens to conduct their own analysis on topics like environmental change, deforestation loss and infrastructure development in their regions. Easy access to current, high quality satellite imagery provides a powerful tool for public accountability and advocacy. Community and citizen science initiatives also utilize satellite data for local projects around areas like habitat monitoring, pollution tracking and measuring crop health.
Informing International Agreements
Satellite Earth observations have become indispensable for informing major international environmental agreements and policies. Monitoring of forest loss using satellites shaped negotiations at conferences like the 1992 Earth Summit and 1997 Kyoto Protocol which initiated reductions in deforestation. More recently, satellite climate records have been crucial for informing national commitments under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement to limit warming. Continued satellite monitoring will be essential for tracking countries’ progress on their Paris emissions pledges. High resolution satellite data is also strengthening initiatives around sustainability certification schemes.
Key Challenges
While satellite Earth observation provides immense value for addressing pressing environmental and development challenges, there remain key gaps limiting applications. A significant issue is lack of consistent, long term monitoring. Satellite instruments have limited lifespans and gaps emerge in environmental records when follow-on missions don’t launch in time. This hampers climate science and trend analysis. Additionally, data continuity and compatibility between different satellite sensors poses challenges. There is also a need to enhance data access and analysis-ready products for less technical users. Capacity building particularly in developing countries is required to fully utilize satellite assets. Finally governing appropriate access and use of increasingly high resolution satellite data poses an evolving, ethical challenge.
The Next Frontier
The satellite Earth observation sector will continue seeing rapid evolution. Launching constellations of smaller, cheaper satellites will enable higher revisit rates and real-time monitoring. New hyperspectral and lidar instruments will deliver more detailed environmental data records. Processing power is improving exponentially, allowing timely analysis of vast data volumes. Cloud computing and machine learning will drive new applications. CubeSats and aerial drones will also complement traditional satellites. As capabilities grow, so will the societal value of Earth observations from space.
