The initiative will focus on three areas: 1) apply Planet’s existing Earth observation data to climate solutions by analyzing coal-fired plant operations, 2) explore a new generation of satellite technologies with enhanced capabilities to detect greenhouse gases such as methane and CO2, and 3) develop new geospatial analytics that can directly enable conservation efforts for forests, coral reefs, and other critical natural resources.
“Data is one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against climate change. The better we can measure factors like greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation, the faster and more effectively we can address them, and the easier it is for the public to hold leaders accountable,” said Bloomberg.
California has one of the leading greenhouse gas reduction programs in the world to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The state will work with its partners to use satellite data to monitor emissions reductions, enforce existing regulations, and to identify cheaper and faster ways to achieve further reductions.
Operating the largest constellation of Earth observing satellites in orbit, Planet acquires near-daily imagery covering Earth’s entire landmass. Building on this technology, Satellites for Climate Action will aim to fill critical climate data gaps in ongoing environmental research and climate monitoring by analyzing coal-fired plant operations globally and measuring essential climate variables.
“I am excited for this partnership as it leverages Planet’s unique near-daily coverage of the Earth. Together with Bloomberg’s expertise on environmental projects, we can track the critical challenges of our day, and with California demonstrate how data can lead to measurable action,” said Will Marshall, Planet co-founder and chief executive.
Lack of data is often a barrier to taking stronger climate actions. For instance, methane leakage is difficult to identify and actual emissions are often much higher than either industry or government recognize – unintentional leaks can be worse for the environment than burning coal.
Providing greater accuracy, efficiency, and geographical precision, satellite technology will help map and quantify problem areas that were previously unknown or inaccurately measured. Satellites for Climate Action will work with governments and organizations to support recognition and adoption of the resulting data and analyses to enact more targeted and effective climate mitigation strategies.
“Mike Bloomberg brings new energy and insights to this already powerful partnership to use data to drive action on climate change,” said Kate Gordon, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and Governor Newsom’s Senior Advisor on Climate Change.
Gordon, on behalf of OPR, co-signed the Satellites for Climate Action initiative with Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board, the state’s lead agency for climate change and air pollution.
As the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate Action and founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mike Bloomberg has become the world’s leading environmentalist through his public and private sector work to fight the growing climate crisis. Through more than $1 billion in climate-forward initiatives, Bloomberg’s expansive environmental work includes efforts to mobilize cities, states, businesses and non-governmental organizations to cut carbon emissions, protect ecosystems, and combat climate change
