The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Essential Climate Variables are the key aspect of the Earth system used to understand and monitor climate change. ESA’s Climate Change Initiative uses satellite observations to create reliable, long-term datasets for 27 of these important variables.
ESA tracks various ECVs from sea surface temperature, greenhouse gas concentrations to land cover changes. These data enable scientists to identify trends, improve predictions of change and better understand climate cycles, feedbacks and tipping points.
Collectively, these records inform decisions to tackle climate change and protect our planet's future.
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