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العربية Digital Earth Africa
Enabling Climate Action
The Challenge
Driving Climate Resilience Across Africa
Africa is on the frontline of the climate crisis, and adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change is urgent. Despite low contributions to global emissions, it is the most vulnerable continent to climate change, which represents a significant threat to African countries achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. With populations across the continent severely affected by drought, floods, and rising sea levels, climate adaptation and building greater climate resilience is crucial to Africa’s future.
Maasai Mau Forest Block, Kenya, where native trees were planted in 2019 & 2020.
The Solution
Earth Observation technologies revolutionising climate intelligence
Earth observation (EO) technologies are revolutionising climate intelligence by providing insights and solutions to address climate change challenges. Digital Earth Africa empowers decision-makers across Africa to take country-led climate action by providing open and accessible EO data at the continental scale. Supported by a digital infrastructure and advanced data processing techniques for regional to local analysis, Digital Earth Africa enables diverse stakeholders to make informed decisions and take action on climate issues.
Leveraging Decades of Data
Digital Earth Africa enables time series analysis of Earth observation data by providing access to satellite images from the 1980s to the present, alongside a library of analytical tools.
Analyzing trends, seasonal variations, and long-term changes in the environment provides an understanding of change, allowing decision-makers to better understand and prepare for climate impacts.
Supporting Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
Earth observation data are critical inputs for country-led action on adaptation and mitigation planning and actions, as well as national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory reporting. These data are particularly well suited to the following thematic areas, which continue to be key development challenges for the African continent:
- Food and water security
- Coastal erosion
- Land disturbance
- Ecosystem management
- Urban planning
Conducting Assessments
Digital Earth Africa provides countries with the data, services and accessible tools to conduct assessments including:
- Changes to ecosystems including extent and condition
- Monitoring deforestation, reforestation and afforestation
- Mapping the evolution of droughts and floods
- Preparing forest cover and other land use changes for reporting
- Identifying or validating areas where suspected illegal mining is occurring
- Conducting coastline change impact assessments
Related Topics
Water Resources & Flood Risks
Africa faces more frequent water disasters, like floods, causing widespread destruction and hundreds of fatalities across the continent.
Land Degradation & Coastal Erosion
Land degradation and coastal erosion affect millions in Africa, threatening food security, water access, and causing displacement and economic losses.
Agriculture & Food Security
A central focus for governing bodies in Africa is to secure the necessary food sources so their populations can access safe and nutritious food to meet dietary requirements.