Canada announces strategy for satellite earth observation
by CM Staff
Data from satellites has become critical to taking action on and adapting to climate change, according to the CSA.
LONGUEUIL — Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne together with Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the release of Resourceful, Resilient, Ready: Canada’s Strategy for Satellite Earth Observation, which describes how Canada will use vantage point of space to address climate change.
Champagne and Dabrusin also announced an investment of $8 million in 21 organizations across Canada to assist projects that focus on Earth observation challenges and sustainable development priorities. The funding will be delivered through the Canadian Space Agency’s smartEarth initiative.
The effects of climate change in Canada are felt in various demographics with the rising number of floods, droughts and wildfires, as well as melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels, according to the CSA. It also stated that the information needed to study the climate — like methane and carbon dioxide emissions and changes to sea ice — can be gathered effectively through satellites. According to the CSA, data from satellites has become critical to taking action and adapting to climate change.
“Satellites offer valuable information that can change our lives for the better here on Earth. This strategy is designed to provide useful and precise information on our planet to inform the Government’s decisions and empower Canadian businesses – big and small – to innovate and take on the real, tangible challenges we face in our day-to-day lives like climate change, forest fires and floods,” said Champagne in a statement.
