World's space agencies unite to face climate challenge

Over 60 countries to engage their satellites to monitor human-induced greenhouse gaOver 60 countries to monitor human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, by interlinking their satellite data s emissions

For the first time, under the aegis of the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and French Space Agency CNES, space agencies from over 60 countries have agreed to engage their satellites to coordinate their methods and data, in order to monitor human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Without satellites, the reality of global warming would not have been recognised and the subsequent agreement at the United Nations headquarters in New York would npt have been signed on April 22, 2016.

Of the 50 essential climate variables being monitored today, 26, including rising sea level, sea ice extent and greenhouse gas concentrations in all layers of the atmosphere, can be measured only from space.

 

The key to effectively implementing the Paris Agreement lies in the ability to verify that nations are fulfilling their commitments to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Only satellites can do that, said Isro.

On April 3, 2016, the world's space agencies decided to establish "an independent, international system" to centralise data from their Earth-observing satellites through the 'New Delhi Declaration' that officially came into effect on May 16, 2016.

The goal now will be to inter-calibrate these satellite data so that they can be combined and compared over time. In other words, it is to make the transition to closely coordinated and easily accessible 'big space data'.

"It is overwhelming to see the unilateral support of all space agencies to use space inputs for monitoring climate change" said Isro Chairman A S Kiran Kumar. "Earth observation satellites provide a vital means of obtaining measurements of the climate system from a global perspective.

ISRO is committed for the continuity of earth observation data, through the thematic series of satellites, with improvements en-route, to meet contemporary as well as future needs. Isro is also engaging with CNES, Jaxa and Nasa for realising joint missions for global climate observation with advanced instruments."

"This is a historic event that reaches far beyond the space sector and is a perfect example of the kind of success that can only be achieved through international cooperation" said CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall. "With this consensus among space agencies from more than 60 nations, including the world's leading space powers, the international space community and scientists now have the tools they need to put their talent, intelligence and optimism to work for the good of humankind and our planet."