Plenary: From Earth Observation Data to Successful Climate Policy - the Role of the Space Industry

Day: Wednesday 24 May 2023
Time: 09:30 - 10:30
Location: Scandinavia Ballroom, Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel

Available Earth Observation (EO) data monitors the whole surface of the Earth in real time. The resulting transparent and objective data can fill critical gaps in our understanding of the changing, dynamic planet. EO can therefore be a valuable ally to policymakers responding to climate change.

The value of EO for climate policy is already leveraged by policymakers globally. A growing number of pioneering governments are integrating EO technology into successful climate mitigation policies, for example, in the fight against tropical deforestation or mitigating global emissions. Likewise, EO is strengthening climate resilience programmes, improving prevention, preparedness, response and recovery from climate-related hazards such as forest fires and extreme weather events. These developments make EO indispensable for efficient monitoring, reporting, and verification systems, upholding informed policy decisions and driving progress towards defined climate targets.

The Earth Observation industry is an integral contributor to the space sector’s value for climate policy. Upstream, commercial EO data goes beyond filling gaps in the public provision of spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. Through relentless innovation and breakthrough advancements it offers enormous complementary and stand-alone value to monitor the impact of climate change. Downstream, value-added service providers are indispensable in transforming the combined wealth in public-private space data into practical insights for policymakers.

This session will explore the role commercial provision of EO data and services plays in developing, implementing, and evaluating climate policy. We will present and assess public programmes and policy initiatives leveraging industrial EO capabilities, forming the basis for a discussion on the opportunities and gaps to be addressed by the EO industry in the future of successful climate policy.

Moderator

Charlotte BISHOP

Senior Project Manager, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)

Norway

Speakers

Julian FOX

Team Leader National Forest Monitoring, MRV and Platforms, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

Italy

Will MARSHALL

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Planet

United States

Dyveke ROGAN

Deputy Director, Norway's International Climate and Forest Initiative

Norway

Rolf SKATTEBOE

President and Chief Executive Officer, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT)

Norway

Niels WIELAARD

Chief Executive Officer, Satelligence

Netherlands