Paris Airshow: UAE Space Agency joins the Space Climate Observatory

The initiative aims to establish a framework for cooperation between the participating countries, support the exchange of information and data on climate change, and expand the use of space technology in addressing the effects of climate change.

The joint declaration was signed by Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills and Chairman of the UAE Space Agency, in the presence of Emmanuel Macron, President of France, Dr. Mohammed Nasser Al Ahbabi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, and a number of officials, engineers, and international representatives.

The declaration stipulates that members of the SCO share data from various sources including satellites to observe and monitor the effects of climate change. This will be achieved through the establishment of regional and local platforms that allow relevant parties to access the gathered data and information in order to examine the effects of climate change and develop potential solutions to its impacts.

Al Falasi said: "The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, supports the establishment of the Space Climate Observatory, and looks forward to cooperating with all relevant parties to ensure its success. Space has an important role to play in addressing the challenge of climate change, which is negatively impacting our planet, infrastructure, and humanity."

"International cooperation and the exchange of scientific knowledge and information are essential for finding effective solutions to environmental degradation and climate change. The UAE continues to play a vital role in this regard through its agreements with international organizations, and now its membership in the Space Climate Observatory, which aims to establish a framework for collaboration and cooperation between nations from around the world.”

Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “Given the urgent need to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, the UAE is keen to harness the latest climate technologies as part of its efforts to remain at the forefront of concerted global climate action. Signing the joint declaration of interest complements the UAE’s longstanding track-record of achievements on the world stage in this domain.

The Observatory is an initiative of the French National Centre for Space Studies (CNES), and it aims to combine satellite and field data with scientific research to model and track climate change and its impacts at global-to-local scales. It is also working to establish indicators and decision-support tools in a coordinated and cross-disciplinary fashion, including with social and economic sciences, to enhance our collective ability to mitigate the impacts of climate change.