Benefits to Europe

How does Europe benefit?

Environmental problems require global co-operation. The political and commercial strength of a united European space power is more important today than ever before.

ESA provides just that strength. And as its satellite data becomes more widely used across the globe, Europe is becoming firmly established as a major player in the commercial and environmental monitoring aspects of the space industry.

The ERS satellites and their data have provided many benefits to people in Europe and throughout the world in three key areas.

They have improved our scientific capabilities and understanding about the planet we live on by:

• Taking regular global measurements of the oceans, ice and land.
• Continually monitoring the delicate and important ozone layer and atmospheric gases for the study of pollution.
• Creating a huge amount of data for climate research.
• Establishing international co-operation amongst the world’s scientists. Making Europe’s scientist’s key partners in many new areas of science.

They have contributed to our quality of life through enhanced public services:

• Improving our ability to forecast the weather and monitor sea, ice and agricultural practices.
• Building our knowledge to help sustain society in Europe and in developing nations.
• Helping to shape environmental decision-making in Europe and beyond for the benefit of Europeans and other nations.

Equally important, the development and operation of the ERS satellites has helped European industry remain competitive by:

• Encouraging a truly independent European spacecraft and ground systems industry.
• Creating and securing more employment in Europe.
• Sharing out industrial skills within Europe.
• Developing a European information service business to compete in the world market.