Environmental protection Observation
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The Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and landscapes are changing rapidly. Human activities are a major driver of these changes.
Monitoring and modelling these changes is critical to make informed decisions on the global challenges our society is facing. Vital information is gathered by land, sea, air and space-based environmental observation systems.
This data can be used to inform and improve decision-making in EU policies on environment, research, climate, energy and sustainable development. This knowledge helps protect people against natural disasters, respond to climate change, manage energy resources or promote sustainable agriculture. The data also provides opportunities to European businesses to develop value-added services.
Governments and international organisations coordinate their environmental observation strategies and investment through the worldwide Group on Earth Observations (GEO). GEO is working to build a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS).
EuroGEO is Europe’s part of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). It brings together all of the environmental observation resources available in Europe so that they can be used more effectively.
The EU's research and innovation programmes have been pivotal in building the GEOSS. More than €200 million was invested during 2007-2013 and support continues through current Horizon 2020 and future Horizon Europe activities.