An introduction for those new to the science, space and climate sectors, giving an easy-to-understand, short guide to the UK’s leading role in satellite climate data, how to access it and the growing UK industry, businesses and technologies it supports
Climate change – the upwards trend in average global temperatures and its impacts on our planet – is an urgent global crisis. The UK is at the forefront of the climate science that is informing international climate action, decisions and global policies. In climate science and Earth Observation research, satellite and instrument design and development, climate data analytics and visualisation, the UK excels. Space strategy is clearly defined and there has been significant investment in space-related infrastructure – such as National Satellite Testing Facilities (NTFs).
Why is Earth Observation important?
The world is changing rapidly yet there are so many places about which we have so little information – remote and inhospitable environments, unstable regions, unpopulated areas. Satellites offer a means of making these parts of the world visible in a way they have not been before. By observing the Earth from space we get a snapshot of a moment in time enabling measurements of aspects such as land cover, temperature, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere and more. These consistent measurements provide a continuous record which is invaluable. Scientists and data analysts can measure changes, establish trends and use computer models to project what might happen in the future in varying scenarios.
There are 55 globally agreed indicators of Earth’s environment and climate – the Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) – 26 of these can only be monitored by satellites in space – Earth Observation satellites. These data are compiled by the European Space Agency Climate Change Initiative (CCI) and have historically had strong involvement from UK climate scientists.
UK capabilities & collaborations
The UK’s Earth Observation capabilities are at the forefront of international climate research and climate action. We have leading academics, capabilities, and host leading SpaceTech industries and testing facilities.
The UK is a highly valued funding member of the European Space Agency (ESA), playing a leading role in many climate satellite missions through academic institutions, research organisations and UK-based commercial contractors.
The National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO) provides the nation’s capability in Earth Observation science. Leading UK-funded research innovators include Innovate UK, STFC/RAL Space, National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Supporting organisations include UKspace, Satellite Applications Catapult, Regional Space Clusters, Space Partnership and Space4Climate.
Thanks to UK investment and scientific expertise, the UK Space Agency, UK universities, industries and institutions are in high demand as collaborators including with NASA, Canadian Space Agency, European Space Agency, French Space Agency and Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The European Union has its own climate data programme, Copernicus, and after a brief break following Brexit, the UK is again part of this. In the meantime two UK data initiatives were established– the EO Climate Information Service (EOCIS) (UK experts from research centres and universities who create high quality, trustworthy climate information leading to insight) and the EO DataHub (a new, single access point for UK EO data from public and commercial centres).
The role of Space4Climate
Space4Climate was founded in 2014 to break down silos between academia, industry and policy, and to build a collaborative community. We are a thriving group, promoting the role of space in underpinning climate policy, action and services, enabling and encouraging the use of trusted climate data, and the development and take-up of climate services and products. We represent our members and the wider EO and space community on the national and international climate stage, including at the world climate summits, COP, where international leaders negotiate climate actions and negotiate targets. We exhibit and take part in sessions at space sector, trade and policy events with our members.
Space4Climate works with members to create open access resources and introductory guides to share knowledge and access to existing and upcoming Earth Observation climate satellites, the data and climate services opportunities they deliver, space initiatives and careers.
UK-involved climate satellites
UK entities contribute to important, international operational and upcoming climate satellite missions. EarthCARE – an ESA/JAXA programme with 23 UK organisations contributing, including building the satellite and two of its four instruments – launched on May 28, 2024, with much media coverage. There is a pipeline of UK-involved climate satellites due for launch over the coming months and years to 2030 including HydroGNSS, Φ-sat (‘PhiSat’), BIOMASS, MicroCarb and TRUTHS.
Commercial Earth Observation providers
EO is a thriving sector within the UK Space Sector thanks to innovators, entrepreneurs, infrastructure, support and funding creating ideal conditions for growth.
Climate science and Earth Observation make a significant contribution to the UK economy – see ‘Size and Health of the UK Space Industry’ report (new report due out summer 2024).
This generates jobs, revenue and export trade.
The UK hosts established global industry leaders of all sizes such as Space4Climate members Airbus UK (Defence Space), Telespazio UK, Thales Alenia Space, CGI. GMV, SSTL and more. Also newer and emerging players such as GHGSat, Open Cosmos, 4Ei and more.
A current focus for the sector is ensuring the next generation with the relevant skills to meet demand in the UK.
The main international non-commercial organisations
The UK Earth Observation community plays an active role global collaborative Earth Observation groups:
UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change – convenes the annual world climate summit, COP (Conference of the parties). Space had its first dedicated zone at COP28 in UAE where Space4Climate with UKSA had a stand and held four on-stage panel discussions highlighting the UK’s leading role in EO, methane standards and climate satellites.
CEOS – Committee on Earth Observation Satellites. The UK takes over the Chair in October 2024.
GCOS – Global Climate Observing System.
SCO – Space Climate Observatory. Space4Climate is the UK focal point for applicants seeking to have their climate products included in this global directory of trusted climate services.
The Paris Agreement
At the UN Climate Change Conference, COP21, 196 parties agreed a target to hold ‘the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels’ and to pursue efforts ‘to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels’ – the Paris Agreement. It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change and came into force on November 4th, 2016.
More reading:
What is the Paris climate agreement and why does 1.5C matter?