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The UK Space Agency, sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), has announced funding for ten new projects aimed at addressing climate-related challenges. The projects cover a range of issues including watercourse climate resilience, freshwater management, groundwater-level forecasting, and monitoring greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the funded projects is located in Glasgow and focuses on mapping watercourse climate resilience. Another project in Bristol aims to improve freshwater management using real-time data sources to track climate change and pollution impacts. In Shrewsbury, a project has developed an automated groundwater-level forecasting system to enhance flood and drought management.

The funding also includes projects that monitor nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural lands and provide an automated methane monitoring service. Additionally, a satellite-enabled tool for tracking and reducing gas flaring and methane emissions from oil and gas chains has been allocated funding.

According to DSIT Minister George Freeman, space technology can play a significant role in addressing various environmental challenges such as water pollution, carbon emissions, and biodiversity threats. Dr. Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, highlighted the country’s expertise and innovation in Earth observation and emphasized the importance of supporting fresh ideas to benefit a wide range of users.

Each project will receive up to £55,000 in funding to commence development in September. This is the second round of investment by the UK Space Agency specifically aimed at climate services development. The agency had previously awarded £85,000 for similar projects earlier this year.

In relation to the use of satellite technology in farming inspections, farming minister Mark Spencer suggested the possibility of employing satellite images during a speech to the National Farmers Union. NFU president Minette Batters expressed the need for technological advancements but also raised concerns about the lack of scientific rigour in the process.

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