THE EXPECTED ROLE OF ARAB SPACE AGENCIES IN SUPPORTING THE CLIMATE CHANGE AGENDA: CHALLENGES, ASPIRATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES

By Dr Mohamed Ebrahim Al-Aseeri

National Space Science Agency (NSSA), Kingdom of Bahrain

This article was inspired by my participation in different activities of COP28 which was held in Dubai during December 2023, and most of the suggested strategies contained therein have already been successfully implemented by the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

?

Current Role of Arab Space Agencies in Monitoring Climate Change

Arab space agencies have increasingly recognized the significance of monitoring and analyzing climate change, leveraging satellite technology and collaborations to contribute to global efforts. While specific roles can vary among individual agencies, the general aspects of their involvement could be:

?

1.??? Satellite Missions: Most of the Arab space agencies have launched or participated in satellite missions designed to monitor various environmental parameters related to climate change. These satellites gather data on temperature, sea level rise, ice cap melting, vegetation health, and more. For instance, the UAE's Mars Mission (Hope Probe) focuses on studying the Martian atmosphere, providing insights that can also be applied to understanding Earth's climate.

?

2.??? Data Collection and Analysis: These agencies collect vast amounts of data using their satellites and ground-based sensors. They analyze this data to assess environmental changes, identify patterns, and monitor the impacts of climate change on the region's ecosystems, water resources, and agriculture.

?

3.??? Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborations with the well-established space agencies, i.e., NASA, ESA, JAXA, ISRO, and scientific institutions enable Arab space agencies to access additional expertise, share data, and participate in global initiatives focused on climate change research. Such partnerships facilitate the exchange of knowledge and resources, enhancing the region's contribution to global climate monitoring efforts.

?

4.??? Decision Makers Support: Arab space agencies often provide valuable data and analysis to policymakers, aiding in the formulation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies at the national and regional levels. By offering insights into environmental trends and potential impacts, these agencies support informed decision-making processes.

?

5.??? Public Awareness and Education: Many of these agencies play a role in raising public awareness about climate change and the importance of environmental stewardship. They often engage in outreach programs, educational initiatives, and public events to promote understanding and action regarding climate issues.

?

However, the specific activities and contributions of each Arab space agency may differ based on their resources, technological capabilities, and strategic priorities. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Bahrain with ambitious space programs, have been particularly active in this domain, investing in satellite technology and partnerships to address climate change challenges.

?

Challenges Facing Arab Space Agencies in Working to Improve the Understanding of Climate Change and its Projections

?

Arab space agencies face several different challenges in their efforts to enhance our understanding of climate change. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:

?

1.??? Limited Resources: Many Arab countries have emerging space programs with constrained budgets and limited resources compared to established space agencies. This can hinder the development and deployment of advanced satellite systems specifically tailored for climate monitoring.

?

2.??? Technological Capacity: Developing and maintaining sophisticated satellite technology for precise climate monitoring requires substantial technological expertise. Some Arab space agencies may face challenges in accessing or developing cutting-edge technology necessary for accurate data collection and analysis.

?

3.??? Data Accessibility and Integration: While satellite data is crucial for climate analysis, accessing and integrating different datasets from various sources into a coherent framework can be challenging. Arab space agencies might encounter difficulties in accessing global datasets and in harmonizing them with their own collected information.

?

4.??? Human Capital Development: Developing a skilled workforce in fields such as remote sensing, climate modeling, sensors development, and data analysis is crucial. Arab space agencies might face challenges in attracting and retaining talent or providing adequate training opportunities in specialized areas related to climate change research.

?

5.??? Regional Cooperation and Collaboration: Climate change is a global issue, and cooperation among nations is essential. Some Arab countries might face geopolitical or diplomatic challenges that hinder seamless collaboration with other nations or regions in sharing data, resources, or scientific knowledge related to climate research.

?

6.??? Adaptation to Local Contexts: Climate change impacts can vary significantly from region to region. Arab space agencies might face challenges in tailoring their research and projections to suit the specific climatic conditions, ecosystems, and socio-economic contexts of the Arab world.

?

7.??? Public Awareness and Policy Alignment: Engaging policymakers and the public in addressing climate change requires effective communication and advocacy efforts. Arab space agencies might encounter challenges in fostering public awareness and in aligning national policies with climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies based on scientific findings.

?

Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts involving investment in technology, capacity building, international collaborations, and a strong commitment from governments to support climate-related research initiatives within their respective space agencies. Overcoming these obstacles will enable Arab space agencies to better contribute to global efforts in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

Examples on Required Data and Information to be Collected and Analyzed to Achieve Climate Change Goals

Arab space agencies can contribute a wide range of valuable data and information to help achieve climate change goals. Some samples on key contributions include:

?

1.??? Satellite Data: Provide satellite imagery and data on various environmental parameters, such as temperature variations, sea level rise, land use changes, vegetation health, and water resources. These datasets are crucial for monitoring climate change impacts and trends in the region.

?

2.??? Atmospheric Composition Monitoring: Monitoring air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, aerosols, and other atmospheric parameters helps in understanding local and regional contributions to global climate change.

?

3.??? Precipitation and Water Resources: Tracking changes in precipitation patterns, snow cover, and water availability is essential for understanding water resource management and potential impacts on agriculture and ecosystems. Such data can aid in monitoring droughts, floods, and changes in water availability.

?

4.??? Land Use and Land Cover Change: Monitoring changes in land use and land cover, such as urban expansion, deforestation, and agricultural activities, provides insights into how human activities affect the environment and contribute to climate change.

?

5.??? Climate Modeling and Predictions: Arab space agencies can contribute to climate modeling efforts by providing observational data for model validation and improving regional climate projections. These models could be of high importance for research centers as they are essential in understanding future climate scenarios and their potential impacts on the region.

?

?

Possible Ways for the Arab Space Agencies to Strengthen their Regional and International Cooperation Concerning Climate Change

?

To strengthen regional and international cooperation in monitoring and studying climate action, Arab space agencies could benefit from one or more of the following approaches:

?

1.??? Collaborative Research Initiatives: Arab space agencies can collaborate with regional and international counterparts on joint research projects focused on climate change. This collaboration can involve data sharing, joint missions, and the development of common standards for data collection and analysis.

?

2.??? Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange: Organizing workshops, training programs, and knowledge-sharing platforms can facilitate capacity building within Arab space agencies. Collaborations with international institutions can offer opportunities for skills enhancement and technology transfer.

?

3.??? Policy Dialogue and Frameworks: Engaging in policy dialogues and establishing frameworks for cooperation at the governmental level can foster stronger ties between Arab countries and other nations invested in climate change research. Agreements on data sharing, joint missions, and research partnerships can be formalized through such dialogues.

?

4.??? Resource Sharing: Collaborative efforts can include sharing resources such as satellite data, research facilities, and expertise. This can maximize the efficiency of climate monitoring and analysis efforts while minimizing duplication of resources.

?

5.??? Joint Funding and Investment: Pooling financial resources for joint projects and initiatives related to climate change research can be beneficial. This shared investment can lead to the development of more robust and comprehensive strategies for addressing climate change challenges.

?

By leveraging these approaches, Arab space agencies can contribute significantly to global efforts in understanding climate change while fostering stronger regional and international collaborations for a more comprehensive and coordinated response to this critical issue.

Technological Innovations Required to Achieve the Goals of Combating Climate Change

?

Arab space agencies can contribute several technological innovations to combat climate change. Some of these innovations include:

?

1.??? Advanced Remote Sensing Technology: Developing and deploying sophisticated remote sensing technology on satellites can enhance data collection capabilities. High-resolution sensors, hyperspectral imaging, and advanced radar systems can provide more detailed and accurate information about environmental changes.

?

2.??? Climate Modeling and Prediction Tools: Investing in the development of improved climate models tailored to regional conditions can aid in predicting future climate scenarios. Enhancing these models with local data can provide more accurate projections, helping policymakers plan for potential impacts.

?

3.??? Earth Observation Platforms: Investing in constellations of satellites dedicated to Earth observation can improve monitoring capabilities. These platforms can track changes in land use, monitor vegetation health, and assess natural disasters, providing crucial information for climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

?

4.??? Climate Adaptation Technologies: Innovations in technologies related to water management, renewable energy, agriculture, and urban planning can contribute to climate change adaptation efforts. Arab space agencies can develop and promote technologies that enable communities to adapt to changing climate conditions sustainably.

?

5.??? Data Processing and Analysis Tools: Developing advanced data processing algorithms and analytical tools can help in extracting meaningful insights from large volumes of satellite data. Machine learning and AI-based approaches can aid in identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies related to climate change.

?

Supporting the development and effective use of these innovations involves several key steps:

?

1.??? Investment in Research and Development: Governments and private sectors can allocate funding and resources to support research and development initiatives focused on climate change-related technologies. Encouraging innovation through grants, partnerships, and incentives can foster advancements in this field.

?

2.??? Collaboration with Research Institutions and Industries: Partnering with research institutions, universities, and private industries can foster innovation. Collaborative efforts can combine expertise from various fields to develop and refine technological solutions for climate change challenges.

?

3.??? Policy and Regulatory Support: Establishing supportive policies and regulations can incentivize the development and adoption of climate-related technologies. Providing incentives for companies investing in sustainable technologies or offering tax breaks for research and development activities can encourage innovation.

?

4.??? Capacity Building and Training: Investing in education and training programs to develop a skilled workforce in areas such as remote sensing, data analysis, and climate modeling is crucial. These programs can ensure that there is a pool of talent equipped to work on climate-related technological advancements.

?

5.??? International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Engaging in international collaborations and partnerships facilitates knowledge exchange and access to cutting-edge technologies. Collaborating with established space agencies and research organizations allows for shared expertise and resources.

?

By prioritizing these strategies, Arab space agencies can drive the development and effective utilization of innovative technologies that play a pivotal role in combating climate change and fostering sustainable development within the region and globally.

?

Opportunities for Arab Space Agencies to Promote Awareness and Education about Climate Change in Arab Societies

?

Arab space agencies have various opportunities to promote awareness and education about climate change in Arab societies. Here are some ways they can do so:

?

1.??? Public Outreach Programs: Organizing public outreach programs, workshops, seminars, and exhibitions focused on climate change can raise awareness among the general population. These initiatives can be held in collaboration with educational institutions, NGOs, and government bodies to reach a broader audience.

?

2.??? Educational Initiatives: Developing educational materials, curricula, and resources about climate change tailored for different educational levels can be highly effective. Arab space agencies can work with schools, universities, and educational authorities to incorporate climate change topics into formal education systems.

?

3.??? Media Engagement: Utilizing various media platforms, including TV, radio, social media, and online campaigns, can help disseminate information about climate change. Partnering with media organizations and influencers can amplify the message and reach diverse demographics.

?

4.??? Citizen Science Programs: Engaging citizens in data collection and monitoring activities related to climate change can foster a sense of involvement and responsibility. Arab space agencies can create citizen science programs where individuals contribute to data collection efforts using simple tools or mobile applications.

?

To make these possible, Arab space agencies should strengthen their cooperation with educational, research, and government institutions through the following tactics:

?

1.??? Collaborative Initiatives: Establishing partnerships with educational institutions, research centers, and government bodies can facilitate the development and implementation of awareness programs. Collaborative efforts can pool resources, expertise, and networks to reach a larger audience effectively.

?

2.??? Capacity Building: Providing training workshops, seminars, and professional development opportunities for educators, researchers, and government officials to enhance their understanding of climate change. This empowers them to effectively convey information and promote awareness within their respective spheres of influence.

?

3.??? Joint Awareness Campaigns: Working together on joint awareness campaigns can combine the strengths and resources of various institutions. These campaigns can include workshops, conferences, public events, and media campaigns designed to educate and engage the public on climate change issues.

?

4.??? Policy Integration: Encouraging government institutions to integrate climate change education into policies and initiatives can create a more structured approach to awareness. Embedding climate change education in national curricula or public awareness campaigns can ensure its long-term impact.

?

5.??? Data Sharing and Research Collaboration: Collaborating on climate change research projects and sharing data can enrich educational materials and public awareness campaigns with accurate and up-to-date information. This collaboration fosters a more informed approach to addressing climate change issues.

?

By leveraging these strategies and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including educational, research, and government institutions, Arab space agencies can effectively promote awareness and education about climate change, empowering communities to take informed action toward a sustainable future.

?