Earth observation for climate

The Focus Group “Earth observation for climate” involves Hans Fischer Senior Fellow Prof. Jonathan Bamber (University of Bristol) and his host Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu (Data Science in Earth Observation) as well as doctoral candidate Aina Gaya Àvila (TUM).

 

Earth observation (EO) from satellites is the only means of monitoring and measuring the health of planetary systems on a global, synoptic scale and continuously in space and time. By 2027, the EU will have invested more than €_21B in the EO Copernicus Programme, comprising a fleet of around 12 satellites, with many more planned. This is the most comprehensive and complete EO program that has ever existed and offers huge opportunities for science, policy, and operational applications. In combination with missions from other national and international space agencies, including ESA, we have the capability to make transformative advances in our understanding of Earth surface processes, human impacts, and trends. This Focus Group aims to utilize this unique data resource to improve our understanding of key components of the Earth system with a particular focus on the cryosphere, hydrosphere, oceans, urban environments, biosphere, and interactions among these components. We will do this by combining our expertise in climate science, EO, and state-of-the-art AI methods to provide data, tools, and evidence to help humanity navigate a changing and uncertain future.