To ensure a more efficient approach on Earth-system science and to bring direct benefits to society it was reported on 13 May that the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission are to cooperate closely.

Having regard to global change in the coming decades Earth’s growing population will place greater pressure on vital resources such as water and food. Along with the risk of further pollution, damage to ecosystems, declining biodiversity, global issues such as sea-level rise and the likelihood of more extreme weather events are some of the serious concerns to be addressed.

Satellites will witness change and provide critical information to enable an understanding of what is happening and, ultimately, to deliver the evidence needed to make informed decisions.