In November 2023, the European Union’s Copernicus Earth observation program launched four new Copernicus Thematic Hubs focused on specific regional or topical areas. These hubs serve as centralized access points to the data and products generated by different Copernicus services for their respective domains.
The overarching goal of these hubs is to streamline user access to Copernicus’s extensive data resources. This aligns with the European Commission’s longstanding pledge to ensure this valuable data is readily available and easy to access. The first four hubs cover health, coastal regions, the Arctic, and energy. They represent an important initial step toward enhanced accessibility that will likely expand in the future.
The Health Hub
The Health Hub was established in response to growing demand from users for health-related Copernicus data during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managed by the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), the hub offers comprehensive access to atmosphere data products pertaining to health. This includes information on pollen, air quality, UV radiation, and heat stress.
The hub features use cases and stories demonstrating how Copernicus data has been applied in the health sphere. For instance, it highlights a project anticipating the public health effects of climate change in the Mediterranean region using climate projections. It also profiles efforts to map urban heat islands and associated mortality risks using satellite imagery.
In addition to historical data, the Health Hub provides recent datasets, future climate projections, and seasonal forecasts of relevance to health. This wealth of resources can help users better grasp and prepare for climate-related public health threats.
The Coastal Hub
The Coastal Thematic Hub assists policymakers and researchers in accessing Copernicus data on coastal areas. It unites datasets and use cases from the Copernicus Marine, Land, Atmosphere, Climate, and Emergency services, allowing for integrated analysis of the coastal environment.
By consolidating satellite imagery, in situ observations, and other data streams, the Coastal Hub offers a comprehensive perspective. It also delivers the information needed to implement key EU policies like the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive. The hub is coordinated by the Copernicus Marine Service, which also oversees the Arctic Hub.
The Energy Hub
As Europe pursues ambitious climate goals through initiatives like the European Green Deal and REPowerEU, reliable data on energy usage and emissions is essential. The Energy Thematic Hub meets this need by compiling energy-related data from across Copernicus’s services.
The hub provides historical statistics, current monitoring, and future projections related to energy and climate. This includes data on solar and wind resources, energy infrastructure vulnerability, methane emissions, and much more. By supporting energy efficiency improvements and the transition to renewables, the hub aligns with Europe’s policy objectives.
Looking Ahead
These first four thematic hubs represent significant progress in consolidating and simplifying access to Copernicus’s vast data resources. Discussions are already underway regarding additional hubs focused on topics like cultural heritage, environmental compliance, and climate security.
As the thematic hub network expands, it will further enhance Copernicus’s usefulness to specialized user communities. Tailored hubs can help identify emerging needs, promote digital uptake, and strengthen policy implementation around issues European citizens care about. While these initial hubs are just the beginning, they demonstrate the potential for Copernicus to empower positive change across many spheres.
