The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Space Agency has launched a Loss and Damage Atlas, in collaboration with Planet Labs, to boost its fight against climate change.
In a tweet on Friday, the UAE Space Agency said the program will be “driven by satellite data, that will empower nations to confront the challenges posed by a changing climate.”
“This agreement aligns with the UAESA’s vision and strategic objectives, as it actively supports transformative initiatives and projects aimed at combating climate change,” it added.
The UAE Space Agency has signed a collaboration agreement with Planet Labs, to construct a Loss and Damage Atlas, driven by satellite data, that will empower nations to confront the challenges posed by a changing climate.@planet pic.twitter.com/zB0Nk7LuvI
— وكالة الإمارات للفضاء (@uaespaceagency) May 26, 2023
The event is scheduled from November 30 to December 12 this year that is expected to gather global leaders in Expo City Dubai to deliberate on crucial climate issues.
According to Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of State for Public Education and Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency, the partnership with Planet Labs signifies a robust step in building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
“It reflects our commitment to strengthening our analytical capabilities to combat climate change and make better-informed decisions,” Al Amiri said in a statement.
“We understand the importance of tackling global climate challenges. Thus, we will use cutting-edge technology, space data, and satellites to map the loss and damage from climate change and help establish early-warning systems. The project also supports our plans to build capacities and adapt to the accelerating climate changes, as well as helping other countries to develop plans and strategies to limit future climate changes,” she added.
On the other hand, Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director General of the UAE Space Agency, emphasized the agency’s commitment to empower national private sector companies in combating climate change.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals by establishing an unprecedented Loss and Damage Atlas. The implementation of this pioneering atlas holds immense potential to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. By aligning with national visions and strategies that aim to cultivate a sustainable economy while preserving the environment and biodiversity, the atlas will make a profound and positive impact on climate change mitigation efforts,” Al Qubaisi stressed.
Meanwhile, Will Marshall, Planet Labs Co-founder and CEO, bared that: “We are proud of our partnership with the UAE to get this data into the hands of important global participants. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we as a planet have ever faced, and it’s critical that vulnerable countries are able to have real, tangible insights to build resilience. We have the technology to capture those insights and to help build early warning systems for climate risks, but we can’t do it alone.”
Under the agreement, Planet Labs is set to provide key data assets and capabilities for this atlas, including access to PlanetScope satellite data and SkySat Tasking capabilities.
