UK has unveiled a £9 million funding boost to enhance its satellite technologies aimed at combating climate change. This investment, the largest of its kind, will support 12 innovative projects focused on improving Earth observation tools to better monitor climate-related emissions and environmental changes.
The UK Space Agency’s funding, managed through the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), will accelerate the development of satellite instruments designed to track critical emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide.
This move is part of the UK’s broader efforts to advance its space capabilities and establish itself as a global leader in climate science.
Andrew Griffith, the UK’s Minister for Space, highlighted the importance of the investment, noting that the new satellites will help identify emission hotspots around the globe, from wildfires to inefficient farming practices. These insights are crucial for countries looking to implement effective climate policies and reduce their environmental impact.
“The new generation of satellites will play a key role in tackling climate change by pinpointing where emissions are highest and helping nations respond more effectively,” said Griffith.
Satellites are vital tools in the fight against climate change, offering unique capabilities that ground-based instruments cannot provide. With the help of satellites, scientists can track emissions, monitor weather patterns, and observe shifts in the environment—insights that are essential for climate action.
Beth Greenaway, Head of Earth Observation and Climate at the UK Space Agency, explained that these new projects underline the UK's expertise in developing cutting-edge tools that can monitor emissions and environmental changes in real-time.
“Satellites provide the only means to gather certain types of data, and these new projects demonstrate our commitment to advancing Earth observation technologies,” Greenaway said.
UK’s investment aligns with broader international climate goals. At COP29, world leaders continue to discuss critical issues such as carbon trading, emissions reductions, and the need for effective climate financing. Uganda, which has been pushing for stronger global frameworks to manage carbon credits, is expected to benefit from these advanced technologies.
For Uganda, these developments present a valuable opportunity to enhance climate resilience. With better data on emissions and environmental shifts, Uganda can improve its strategies in sectors like agriculture, energy, and conservation. The satellite data could also support Uganda’s ongoing efforts to reduce deforestation, improve farming practices, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.