Can we trust satellite data to track our progress toward global Net Zero targets?
In short: Satellite observations are vital for monitoring climate change, but their accuracy depends on rigorous measurement science. By applying metrological principles to space-based sensors, scientists are creating a gold standard for climate data. This shift ensures that the information guiding our global response to environmental shifts is both precise and reliable.
The challenge of tracking climate change from space lies in the consistency of sensor data. Prof Nigel Fox, an NPL Fellow, has spent decades pioneering the application of metrology—the science of measurement—to Earth observation. His work, alongside colleagues like Dr Emma Woolliams, aims to move beyond simple data collection toward a framework where every satellite measurement is traceable and validated. This effort led to the creation of the Quality Assurance Framework for Earth Observation, a standard now endorsed by space agencies worldwide.
Central to this mission is TRUTHS, a climate-focused satellite project led by the UK Space Agency and delivered by the European Space Agency. Conceived by Fox in the 1990s, TRUTHS is designed to provide a ten-fold improvement in our ability to quantify climate change. By taking direct measurements of the sun’s energy, the mission will act as a 'gold standard' reference, allowing scientists to calibrate other satellites in orbit. This ensures that data collected across different platforms can be compared with confidence, providing a unified view of how the planet is responding to human activity.
The technical rigor behind these efforts is significant. Dr Emma Woolliams, who has been with the National Physical Laboratory since 1998, has been instrumental in developing methods to validate sensor uncertainties post-launch. Her work ensures that the data used for short, medium, and long-term climate scenarios is not just abundant, but accurate. By bridging the gap between laboratory-based calibration and orbital observation, these scientists are transforming how we interpret the health of our planet, turning raw satellite signals into the essential evidence needed to monitor our progress toward Net Zero.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Unleashing the power of satellites - with the National Physical Laboratory
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