ESA’s Living Planet Symposium took place from 23 to 27 May 2022 at the World Conference Center in Bonn, Germany and was organised with the support of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

This symposium focused on how Earth observation contributes to science and society, and how disruptive technologies and actors are changing the traditional Earth observation landscape, which is also creating new opportunities for public and private sector interactions.

The objectives of the Symposium were:

• Understand Earth systems: Prove how satellite data and open science contribute to our understanding of the different Earth systems, climate and their interactions
• Advance future technology for Earth observation missions: Demonstrate new Earth observation instruments and technologies for existing and future missions
• Nurture public and private sector partnerships: Highlight the importance of existing and new partnerships, expand the Earth observation user base, increase access to capital and commercialisation
• Enable the Earth observation digital transformation: Demonstrate how next generation technologies will create new opportunities for Earth observation including data collection, processing, distribution and analysis
• Empower the green transition: Confirm how Earth observation services can be integrated with local, national and global policies to drive socio-economic sustainable development, security, and resilience

A common thread was evident in many scientific sessions and meetings – the right environmental data can accelerate our understanding of the rapid changes in Earth’s system.

There were a large cohort of data-users present, eager for updates about new Earth observation (EO) data products, mapping everything from methane emissions to land-cover, and to hear what is around the corner with soon-to-launch missions, such as EarthCARE

ESA’s Data Discovery and Access booth drew a wealth of visitors, where data-users learnt how to access data free-of-charge for ESA’s Earth Explorers, Third Party Missions (TPMs), and Heritage Missions.

Visit the Living Planet Symposium presentation website to learn more about the event.

Download presentations from the Symposium.