UAE Space Agency forges collaboration with Planet Labs

The UAE Space Agency has signed a partnership with Planet Labs, a pioneer in Earth data and insights, to build satellite data-driven Loss and Damage Atlas for global climate resilience. (Twitter/@uaespaceagency)

• Agreement aligns with the UAESA’s vision and strategic objectives, supporting transformative initiatives, projects aimed at combating climate change
• Chairperson Sarah Al-Amiri says relationship represents a robust step toward building sustainable, climate-resilient future

ABU DHABI: The UAE Space Agency has signed a deal with Planet Labs, a pioneer in Earth data and insights, to build a satellite data-driven loss and damage atlas for global climate resilience.
The agreement aligns with the UAESA’s vision and strategic objectives as it actively supports transformative initiatives and projects aimed at combating climate change, reported the Emirates News Agency on Friday.
It also resonates with the UAE’s commitment as it prepares to host the 28th UN Climate Change Conference from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 at Expo City Dubai.
Sarah Al-Amiri, the UAE’s minister of state for public education and advanced technology, and UAESA’s chairperson, said the strategic collaboration represented a robust step toward building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
She said: “It reflects our commitment to strengthening our analytical capabilities to combat climate change and make better-informed decisions.”
Al-Amiri said the parties would be using cutting-edge technology, space data, and satellites to map the loss and damage from climate change and help establish early-warning systems.
She added: “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.”
Will Marshall, CEO at Planet Labs, said the company was proud of the partnership.
He added: “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.”
The establishment of a loss and damage fund was a highlight at COP27 and the culmination of decades of pressure from climate-vulnerable developing countries.
The fund aims to provide financial assistance to nations most impacted by the effects of climate change.
The Loss and Damage Atlas project was conceived to extend technology and expertise to developing countries to help tackle the loss and damage resulting from climate change.
Salem Butti Salem Al-Qubaisi, UAESA’s director general, underlined the agency’s commitment to fostering and empowering national private sector companies in their efforts to bolster sustainability and combat climate change.
He said: “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.”