Through satellite technology, remote sensing, and advanced data analytics, Earth observation enables scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to monitor and respond to environmental changes on a global scale.
From tracking shrinking forests to monitoring the health of oceans, this technology is revolutionising how we understand and safeguard our planet.
Watching nature from orbit
At its core, Earth observation involves collecting data about the Earth’s physical, chemical, and biological systems, primarily using satellites.
These spaceborne instruments provide a bird’s-eye view of the planet, capturing high-resolution images, temperature patterns, atmospheric conditions, and more.
Agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) deploy satellite constellations to deliver real-time insights into Earth’s rapidly changing environments.
These observations are not just about taking pretty pictures from space; they are essential for detecting changes invisible to the human eye on the ground.
With repeat passes over the same areas, satellites can reveal trends, patterns, and anomalies in vegetation, water bodies, and atmospheric composition over time.
Tracking deforestation
Forests are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hotspots, but they are under constant threat from logging, agriculture, and wildfires. Earth observation allows for the precise monitoring of deforestation and forest degradation worldwide.
For example, Brazil’s use of satellite monitoring has been instrumental in enforcing deforestation regulations in the Amazon. Through platforms like Global Forest Watch, powered by satellite data from NASA and ESA, deforestation alerts can be generated in near real-time.
This empowers governments, NGOs, and local communities to take swift action against illegal logging activities.
High-resolution imagery, often updated daily or weekly, enables the identification of even small-scale land use changes. Machine learning algorithms enhance this data further, flagging suspicious activity and helping predict future deforestation risks.
Safeguarding oceans and coasts
Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, oceans are critical to life but are increasingly vulnerable to pollution, overfishing, and climate impacts such as sea-level rise.
Earth observation plays a crucial role in monitoring ocean health, providing data on sea surface temperatures, chlorophyll concentrations (indicative of phytoplankton), coral bleaching, and marine pollution.
Satellites such as Sentinel-3 from the Copernicus programme or NASA’s Aqua mission are specifically designed to track oceanic conditions. These systems can detect oil spills, algal blooms, and sediment plumes – events that are often difficult to assess from ships or shorelines.
Coastal zones, where land meets sea, are particularly dynamic and sensitive to environmental changes. Satellite imagery is used to map shoreline erosion, monitor mangrove loss, and assess storm damage after extreme weather events, thereby aiding disaster preparedness and recovery.
Biodiversity under the lens
Biodiversity loss is one of the gravest environmental challenges of our time. Traditional methods of wildlife monitoring, such as field surveys and camera traps, are labour-intensive and limited in scope.
Earth observation offers a complementary, large-scale approach to tracking biodiversity and habitat integrity.
While satellites can’t directly count individual animals, they can map habitats, monitor changes in land cover, and assess the health of ecosystems.
For instance, satellite data can help model the distribution of species by linking observed habitat variables with known ecological requirements.
In Africa, conservationists are using Earth observation to map elephant migration corridors and predict human-wildlife conflict zones. In marine environments, satellites detect shifts in reef ecosystems and track the spread of invasive species.
As part of the UN’s post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, Earth observation data is increasingly integrated into biodiversity indicators and national reporting.
The future of Earth stewardship from space
The future of Earth observation is bright and closely tied to the evolution of satellite technology, artificial intelligence, and global cooperation.
With the rise of miniaturised satellites (CubeSats), Earth can now be observed more frequently and at finer resolutions than ever before.
AI and machine learning will continue to play a pivotal role, automating the analysis of vast datasets and making Earth observation more accessible to non-specialists. These tools can detect anomalies, forecast environmental changes, and provide early warnings of natural disasters.
International efforts such as the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) are promoting data sharing and capacity building, ensuring that developing countries can benefit equally from satellite technology.
Ultimately, Earth observation will be instrumental in achieving global environmental goals, from the Paris Agreement to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It provides the scientific foundation needed for evidence-based policymaking and global environmental stewardship.
From orbit, our planet tells a story of change – some natural, some human-made. Thanks to advances in Earth observation, we are now better equipped than ever to listen, learn, and respond.
As environmental challenges mount, this technology offers not only a window into Earth’s health but also a powerful tool for protecting it.