Harnessing Space Technology for Climate Resilience: Insights from the UNGA79 Science Summit

Participating in the Science Summit at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79), a gathering of global thought leaders committed to addressing the world's most pressing challenges through science and innovation, was a tremendous honor. This summit, held during the United Nations General Assembly, focused on how science and technology can contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the world confronts unprecedented environmental challenges, the role of technology—especially space technology—has become increasingly critical in shaping sustainable solutions.

As part of this summit, I had the privilege of joining a panel titled "How Inclusive Technology Can Facilitate Collaborations for Climate Resilience Through Permaculture." The session was convened by Lumbie Mlambo , Founder and CEO of JB Dondolo, Inc. and featured an exceptional group of panelists.

Moderators: Mary Kurek and Noleen Mariappen Speakers Include:Prof. Dr. Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes Robert MichaelNeha Shukla Shelli Brunswick Judith Marera Canti Shetty Guest Sonono HRH Princess Dr. Moradeun Ogunlana Ian Parker George Ouma.

Each panelist brought a unique perspective to the discussion, ranging from leveraging inclusive technology to address the global freshwater crisis to engaging youth in responsible AI and permaculture practices.

The objective of our panel was clear: to explore the pivotal role of inclusive technology in fostering collaborations that enhance climate resilience. Our discussion centered on how accessible technologies can connect scientists, permaculture designers, local communities, and policymakers, supporting integrated approaches to resource management, agricultural productivity, and sustainability. Engaging in this dialogue was a profound experience, underscoring the importance of leveraging technology to build resilient ecosystems.

Watch the session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8clA2dCxTE

Harnessing Space Technology for Climate Resilience

In the face of growing environmental challenges, space technology is a powerful tool to enhance climate resilience. During the Science Summit at UNGA79, I had the opportunity to share insights on how space-based data and tools can drive collaborations between scientists, permaculture designers, local communities, and policymakers. Integrating space technology into climate resilience strategies is not just beneficial—it is essential.

Uniting Stakeholders through Space Technology

Space technology provides a unique, comprehensive view of our planet, enabling us to monitor environmental changes and make data-driven decisions. By bridging the gap between scientific data and practical applications, space technology empowers diverse stakeholders to work together on sustainable solutions. For instance, satellite data can help permaculture designers optimize land use, monitor crop health, and predict weather patterns, ensuring that practices are both effective and sustainable.

The ability of space technology to unite various stakeholders around a shared goal is particularly significant in the context of permaculture. This sustainable agricultural practice emphasizes the harmonious integration of landscape and people. By providing real-time, accurate data, space technology allows scientists, designers, and communities to collaborate on creating solutions that are both innovative and practical.

Inclusive Technology for Local Communities

Inclusivity is key to successful collaborations. Space-based data must be not only accessible but also actionable for all stakeholders, particularly local communities. The value of data lies in its application, and for that data to be effective, it must be translated into usable information that can drive decision-making at the local level.

Mobile applications that provide real-time insights into soil conditions, weather forecasts, and other critical factors empower farmers to optimize their practices, reduce water usage, and increase crop yields—all while building resilience against climate change. This integration of traditional knowledge with space-based insights allows for the co-creation of solutions that are both culturally relevant and scientifically sound.

Moreover, engaging youth and underrepresented groups in these initiatives is essential for fostering innovation and inclusivity. By involving a diverse range of voices and perspectives, we can ensure that the benefits of space technology are equitably distributed and that the solutions developed are sustainable in the long term. This approach aligns with the goals of the Space2030 Agenda, which emphasizes the importance of making space-based solutions accessible to all, particularly in developing countries.

Strategic Advocacy and Policy Integration

For these collaborations to reach their full potential, strategic advocacy, and policy integration are key. Policymakers have a critical role in scaling up successful initiatives and ensuring robust frameworks support them. By integrating space technology into national and regional climate strategies, policymakers can ensure that these solutions are sustainable and long-lasting.

The United Nations’ Space2030 Agenda highlights the strategic role of space in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This agenda calls for global partnerships and the development of space-based solutions that are accessible to all, with a particular focus on developing countries. By aligning our efforts with this agenda, we can create a framework that supports the widespread adoption of space-based tools in permaculture and other sustainability initiatives.

Policy integration is not just about creating new laws or regulations; it is about embedding space technology into the fabric of decision-making processes across sectors. This requires collaboration between government entities, private companies, and civil society to create policies that are informed by the best available data and that prioritize long-term sustainability.

Innovation as a Catalyst for Resilience

Innovation drives the integration of space technology and sustainable practices. NASA’s spinoff technologies, for instance, have led to breakthroughs in agriculture, water management, and disaster preparedness. These innovations are not just theoretical—they have practical applications that can be deployed on the ground to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

For example, advancements in soil moisture monitoring, weather prediction, and disaster response have proven essential for building resilient agricultural systems. By continuously exploring new ways to apply space-based innovations to environmental challenges, we can stay ahead of the curve and build a more resilient future for all.

Innovation is also about adaptability. As the climate continues to change, the challenges we face will evolve. Space technology, with its ability to provide real-time data and global perspectives, offers the adaptability needed to respond to these changes effectively. By fostering a culture of continuous innovation, we can ensure that our strategies remain relevant and effective in the face of new challenges.

Measuring Impact and Ensuring Sustainability

To ensure the long-term success of these collaborations, it is essential to establish mechanisms for measuring their impact. This involves tracking changes in agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and community resilience over time, using both ground-level assessments and satellite data. We can refine our approaches and scale up successful models by continuously monitoring these indicators.

Moreover, fostering an open-data culture is critical to accelerating the adoption of successful strategies. Sharing data and best practices across borders avoids duplicative efforts and aligns with the principles of space diplomacy, which emphasize the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Measuring impact is not just about collecting data; it is about using that data to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement. This requires a commitment to transparency and collaboration and the development of tools and platforms that make data accessible to all stakeholders. By prioritizing impact measurement and sustainability, we can ensure that our efforts have a lasting positive effect.

Conclusion

Integrating space technology into collaborative efforts among scientists, permaculture designers, local communities, and policymakers offers a powerful pathway to enhancing climate resilience. By working together and leveraging the unique capabilities of space technology, we can develop sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges of climate change.

The future is bright for those who dare to innovate and collaborate. As we continue advancing space technologies' strategic engagement in global challenges, we must remain committed to inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability. The insights and partnerships developed at the UNGA79 Science Summit have laid a strong foundation for this work, and I am excited to see how these efforts will continue to grow and evolve.

By aligning with initiatives like the Space2030 Agenda, we can build a future where space technology serves as a vital tool in our collective effort to sustain life on Earth. Together, we can create a more resilient, sustainable world for future generations.