e-shape solutions: Unlocking the potential of Earth Observation data for climate change and urban areas

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MCST Esplora Science Centre, Kalkara, Malta

The satellite applications sector delivers a wide range of social, environmental as well as economic benefits to citizens of Europe and the world.

Despite the many successful examples of use of satellite-based services at the regional and local levels, and despite the programmes implemented at local and European scales to make available funds to develop increasingly sophisticated commercial services, satellite-based solutions are still considered as “innovation” rather than “practice”.

The European Green Deal sets out the goal for Europe’s economy and society to achieve climate-neutrality by 2050. Under the European climate law, EU countries must cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. 

Local and regional governments are key actors to ensure the transition towards a climate-neutral society and must be provided with the most reliable data and evidence to take informed decisions.

Satellites offer reliable, objective and accurate information on soil, air, water, vegetation, and assets, which can be compared over time. This increases the amount and quality of data that decision-makers need to take informed decisions, as well as to implement sustainable development strategies.

Register to the workshop to reserve your participation in presence or to receive a link to follow the event online.

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Our workshop

The workshop is an e-shape labeled event, hosted by the Malta Council for Science and Technology.

The MCST will present the Space Research Fund, providing financial support for Maltese entities interested in research, development and innovation in the downstream Satellite Earth Observation (EO) sector, and will introduce the objectives and actions of the Space Thematic Programme for 2023.

Based on the thematic priorities of the MCST, the workshop will showcase some of the e-shape pilots related to facing climate change impacts and better managing urban areas.

The pilots embed Earth Observation data in services that provide sub-seasonal and seasonal forecasts and climate projections to European cities, improve visibility underwater, and  help better understanding the global carbon cycle. An additional product will be presented that uses EO data to better plan and exploit solar energy installations.

The Q&A sessions will engage speakers and audience in a discussion about the usability of the services presented and their relevance for the needs of public administrations and private companies in Malta.

Objectives

The workshop will:

  • Introduce EO-based applications developed through the project within the selected e-shape thematic showcases  Climate and Water resources;
  • Discuss the integration of the EO-based applications into user organisations’ daily workflows;
  • Bring together research, user communities and civil society that want to benefit from  and contribute to the EuroGEO initiative;
  • Inform the participants about what the pilot services will grant access to in terms of Copernicus data and benefits for user organisations;
  • Foster discussions and exchange about opportunities and challenges with new potential users of EO-based applications;
  • Inject knowledge exchanges on co-design methodologies to develop the operational uptake of mature EO-based services.

About e-shape

e-shape is a 48-month project under the framework of Horizon 2020 and constituted by a pan-European team of academic, industrial, institutional and user communities.

It is a unique initiative that brings together decades of public investment in Earth Observation and in cloud capabilities into services for the decision-makers, the citizens, the industry, and the researchers.

It allows Europe to position itself as a global force in Earth observation by leveraging Copernicus, making use of existing European capacities, and improving user uptake of data from GEO assets.

About the Malta Council for Science and Technology

The Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), acting for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, is a public body established by the central government  in 1988 with the mandate of advising government on science and technology policy.

MCST champions R&I engagement across public, academic and private sectors and provides support measures across the research eco-system to help your ideas become a reality. MCST also creates a basis for science education, popularisation and communication for young students, for the eventual upskilling of the sector and capacity building.

MCST manages national funds for R&I through the development and operation of programmes, which in turn, create vehicles for research across the public, academic and private sectors. A portfolio of funding programmes provides researchers with the opportunity to translate their ideas into tangible projects and eventual products or services. 

MCST runs a dedicated fund for research in the Earth Observation sector in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA). The Space Research Fund is a research programme exclusive to Maltese beneficiaries which provides financial support for research, development and innovation in this field. The fund runs on an annual basis and will be launched again in 2023. In line with Malta’s National Space Policy and Strategy, this measure provides the means for developing critical mass within the Maltese Space Sector.

About Eurisy

Eurisy is a non-profit association of space agencies, stimulating the uptake of satellite solutions. To fulfil its mission the association builds solid relations with communities new to space, encouraging early adopters of operational satellite services to share experience. 

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