The importance of Earth observing satellites

RedOrbit reports that Earth-observing satellites were in the focus of discussions at the recent Understanding Risk Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. Space technology is widely used in risk mitigation and climate change adaption programs.

In collaboration with the World Bank, The European Space Agency has set up five pilot projects for urban risk assessments to help raise awareness of Earth observation. Urban mapping and risk assessment mapping for hazards such as floods are part of the research. Landslides in Tunis, Alexandria, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Rio de Janeiro, Ho Chi Minh City and Georgetown, Guyana will be also investigated.

"Satellite Earth observation is one of the pillars of the disaster risk management practice at the World Bank. For instance, in the event of natural disasters, satellite data are used to support large-scale emergency recovery programs through a post-disaster needs assessment," stated ESA.