The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), with support from the UK Space Agency has published a report on the use of space technology to support climate action at the global level.
The report, which was released to coincide with Earth Information Day at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), aims to improve understanding of how selected stakeholders are using space technology to support climate action.
As well as offering insights into how entities, both inside and outside the United Nations, are using space for climate action, organizations can use the report in their strategic decision-making, and to identify collaboration opportunities and domains for future development and evolution.
The report shows that climate observation, research, science, and policy are well-coordinated and evolving by an increasing stakeholder landscape. However, inconsistencies in the definition of climate action and services are rendering coordination among stakeholders challenging.
There have been gaps identified in information-sharing efforts and networks that could increase awareness, understanding, and collaboration in the use of space for climate action. More could also be done to improve cooperation and coordination in capacity-building as an important component of successful and sustainable short and long-term actions.
Acting Director of UNOOSA Niklas Hedman said it was an important report: “Moving forward in climate action is not feasible without the fundamental and holistic overview of the current state of affairs. Enhancing our understanding of the stakeholder landscape allows us to generate valuable partnerships, reinforce efforts in areas with the best results, and deliver and develop services and solutions through well-informed decision-making. This report which is a product of the partnership between the UN and UK Government broadens our horizons and helps us navigate the next steps to maximize benefits for everyone.”
UK Space Agency Chief Executive Officer Paul Bate said: “We are delighted to be publishing this report at the time of COP27 since the imperative to find solutions to climate change is as strong as ever. Space data plays a vital and increasing role in the solutions being discussed globally and in so many different fora. Having a strategic view of how these international groups link together means we can focus our global effects and expertise in the most effective ways.”
To read the full report visit: www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/space4sdgs/sdg13.html
