Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Director General of ESA

Johann-Dietrich Wörner, Director General of ESA

Professor Wörner explains that the European Space Agency is at COP21 to send the message that observing Earth from space is important because they can collect data of more than 50% of climate variables, and thus it is an excellent tool for climate monitoring. He emphasises the importance of coordinating a global network of space data and using data fusion to ensure a reliable global picture of the Earth’s climate. He believes by ensuring all countries are contributing to a global data network there will be greater transparency and acceptance by governments. Professor Wörner explains that the basic principle of ESA is free and open access to data by the public and any institution who wishes to use it. Finally he comments on the key observations monitored by satellite data such as the Arctic Sea ice retreat and deforestation