Great need for forecasting models and early warning systems.

Earth observation is indispensable for understanding climate change and dealing with its consequences. This is what Godela Roßner, Head of Department for Earth Observation at the German Space Agency at DLR, said in her introductory speech on ‘Earth Observation for Coping with Green Change’ at the INTERGEO CONFERENCE 2024.

Heavy rainfall, floods, forest fires and droughts are indicators of climate change; it is real and tangible, said Roßner. Current temperature trends clearly show that weather events will become more intense in the future - a direct consequence of climate change. The economic consequences are serious: economists predict that the global economy will shrink by 20 per cent by 2050.

Destroyed infrastructure, crop failures and health costs - the list of damage caused by climate change is long and puts a strain on economies worldwide. What options do we have?

Godela Roßner picks up on this: "Data from earth observation satellites is indispensable for understanding and managing climate change. There is a great need for forecasting models and early warning systems. We are developing tools for climate protection and adaptation measures that support users in their implementation. Such tools are crucial both for evidence-based policy decisions and for monitoring their effectiveness".Keynote: Godela Roßner, Abteilungsleiterin Erdbeobachtung Deutsche Raumfahrtagentur im DLR.