Scotland Joins Global Space Climate Initiative
Space Scotland became the newest member of the international Space for Climate Observatory (SCO), strengthening Scotland’s links with a global network using satellite data and digital technologies to help communities respond to climate change.
The agreement was signed in Paris yesterday between Space Scotland and the French National Space Agency, Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), during the inaugural French Space Summit. Held at the invitation of French President, Emmanuel Macron, and his Special Envoys, astronaut Thomas Pesquet and space industry leader Hélène Huby, the Summit brought together governments, space agencies, international organisations, scientists and industry leaders from around the world.
The Scottish Government’s Minister for Business Tom Arthur said, “Scotland was the first country in the world to publish a Space Sustainability Roadmap in 2022 to help make our space sector one of the greenest in the world.
“Joining this initiative helps turn this ambition into further action, with the partnership helping to deepen the connection between Scottish expertise with global efforts to tackle climate change and build a world that has a more resilient future.”
Peter Young, Chair of Space Scotland, commented: “Joining the world leading SCO community will give Scottish companies an unrivalled chance for collaboration – to learn from our new colleagues considerable knowledge while at the same time sharing our expertise in international and climate Earth Observation analytics.”
Established in 2019 following an initiative led by France and CNES, the Space for Climate Observatory brings together public and private organisations involved in Earth observation. It supports practical tools combining satellite data with environmental, climate, socioeconomic, and other information to help territories monitor, mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The agreement follows several months of discussions between the SCO and Space Scotland’s Environmental Task Force. It was signed by Space Scotland Chair, Peter Young. He was supported by the Scottish Government’s Trade Envoy for Space Daniel Smith, Space Scotland’s Andrew Fournet, and Scottish Development International’s Sonda d’Alton, based at the UK Embassy in Paris.
The SCO’s international portfolio includes more than 140 projects covering biodiversity, coastal adaptation, water management, flooding and other climate related risks.
Laurence Monnoyer-Smith, Head of Sustainable development at CNES, said, “Welcoming Space Scotland as the 61st signatory of the Space for Climate Observatory marks an important step in strengthening the SCO alliance. Having Space Scotland as a member will open the way to new partnerships and concrete projects, where Earth observation can help address Scotland’s climate challenges”.
Membership will enable Scotland’s space community to participate in international SCO activities and working groups, identify potential projects for collaboration, and explore how proven global solutions could be applied to challenges in Scotland and the wider UK.
Potential areas for collaboration include biodiversity, coastal erosion, water quality and management, wildfire risk, and wider climate resilience. The agreement could also create new opportunities to connect Scotland’s growing Earth observation sector with public bodies, environmental organisations and international partners.
Daniel Smith, Trade and Investment Envoy for Space at the Scottish Government, commented, “Scotland has worked hard to put sustainability at the heart of our space sector, so joining the Space Climate Observatory is a natural next step. This agreement gives our companies and academia another route to connect Scottish expertise with real environmental challenges and collaborate with leading organisations around the world.”
Space Scotland and the SCO will now explore opportunities for joint projects, international working groups and thematic workshops, while increasing awareness of how space derived data can help understand environmental change and build resilience.