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A new Earth Observation Centre that will enable the UK to further strengthen its position in international Earth observation programmes is announced today.
:: 02 May, 2007
The CEOI is a new initiative from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Department for Trade and Industry, as members of the British National Space Centre (BNSC). It brings together scientific expertise and industrial capabilities that will put the UK in a much stronger position to win international contracts for the development of new, technologically advanced space instruments.
As our planet's climate changes, such instruments on board Earth observation satellites are becoming essential tools to monitor the changes and provide a health check on the environments in which we live.
Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said, "We've come a long way from the first basic satellite of 50 years ago to the sophisticated instruments we use today. Earth observation technology is becoming increasingly important for monitoring climate change. This new centre will boost the UK's capability in international programmes and ensure that it remains at the forefront of Earth observation technology well into the future."
Driven by the UK's science objectives, the centre's first development programmes will focus on key environmental issues relating to climate and air quality. They will provide the collaborative expertise and training to develop new remote sensing technologies to understand how atmospheric chemistry affects climate; detectors that measure pollutants in the atmosphere; novel space-based instruments to analyse the quantity and flow of carbon dioxide; and to monitor trace gases in the lowest part of the atmosphere.
Dr Arwyn Davies, Director of Earth Observation for both NERC and BNSC, said, "I am delighted that the CEOI is now established. It is an important strand in taking our Earth observation strategy forward, and will cement relationships between our scientific and industrial communities in this crucial area."
CEOI Director Mick Johnson added, "This is good news for the UK. I am looking forward to the task of bringing together the best capabilities in science and industry to deliver new instruments and new technologies."
News inside News:
NERC mission
The Natural Environment Research Council delivers independent research, survey, training and knowledge transfer in the environmental sciences, to advance knowledge of planet Earth as a complex, interacting system.
Our work covers the full range of atmospheric, earth, biological, terrestrial and aquatic sciences, from the deep oceans to the upper atmosphere, and from the poles to the equator.
Our mission is to gather and apply knowledge, create understanding and predict the behaviour of the natural environment and its resources, and communicate all aspects of our work.
Current strategy
Science for a sustainable future 2002 - 2007
Science for a sustainable future is our current strategy. It identifies strategic and scientific priorities for UK environmental sciences until the new strategy in 2007. These priorities evolved from extensive consultation, involving 200 people: scientists, business executives, policy makers and the public.
Priority areas:
Earth's life-support systems - water, biogeochemical cycles and biodiversity
climate change - predicting and mitigating the impacts
sustainable economies - identifying and providing sustainable solutions to the challenges associated with energy, land use and hazard mitigation.
Funding:
Introduction
NERC funds independent research, training and long-term monitoring in the environmental sciences. About half our budget goes to universities and half is invested in research and collaborative centres.
Long-term research and environmental surveys
This work ensures a long-term underpinning base for the environmental sciences. This work is mainly carried out by our research centres and research facilities.
Strategic data and knowledge
We support long-term surveying, mapping, observation and data management as well as closely interdependent research and development. Research programmes can draw on these resources.
Shared research facilities and services
We fund a large number of environmental services and facilities accessible to the whole NERC user community.
Contact:
Press officers
Marion O'Sullivan
Tel: 01793 411727
Mob: 07917 086 369
Julia Short
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557 215
Sheila Anderson
Tel: 01793 411646
Mob: 07867 553 053
In Images:
1.The Microwave Humidity Sounder on the Metop satellite sees water in the atmosphere at various altitudes. The UK instrument, which also flies on a US platform (right), is returning data with far greater resolution compared with previous-generation technology.
2.These satellites have revolutionised weather forecasting and have now revolutionised environmental science - from climate change and disease prediction to oil spills and earthquake monitoring
3.Satellite images of the Earth as captured by GERB.
Release link: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/newsandevents.asp
