SATELLITES MONITORING THE ENVIRONMENT
SATELLITES CAN…
Measure air quality
Earth Observation satellites provide data on atmospheric composition using wide range wavelengths built into the satellite to detect the different potential pollutants in the air.
Track ice retreat
The European Space Agency has a dedicated satellite that measures changes in ice across the Earth. The satellite uses radar technology.
Measure sea level
Sea levels have been measured by satellites since 1992 on a global basis using satellite altimeters.
Measure land use
Satellites can detect the differences between the textual and chemical properties of the land.
Monitor fish stocks
Satellites can detect boats fishing illegally and report them, helping to ensure long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
Manage water resources
Water sources can be detected from satellites, and satellites can measure the chemical composition of the water.
Identify land-cover
Satellites can detect the unique textual, chemical and typography of the land.
Monitor natural habitats
Satellites can monitor large and small areas of land to identify differences in soil, moisture and chemicals.
Pinpoint pollution hotspots
Scientists can create automatic alerts to highlight when pollution is high using data from satellites. 
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ONE MILLION TONNES OF PLASTIC ENDS UP IN THE SEA EACH YEAR
OTHER 3.1%
SHRUBLAND, BUSHLAND, HEATHLAND 5.4%
CONIFEROUS WOODLAND 5.8%
BROADLEAVED/MIXED/YEW WOODLAND 6%
OPEN WETLANDS 11.5%
URBAN AREAS 11.6%
SEMI-NATURAL GRASSLAND 17%
CULTIVATED GRASS 17.7%
PASTURES 22%
EVERY HOUR
AN AREA EQUIVALENT TO
160
FOOTBALL PITCHES
OF NATURAL HABITAT IS
DESTROYED