As part of my ongoing research on Copernicus and environmental data governance, I recently had the opportunity to spend a visiting day at the European Space Agency (ESA).
The visit provided valuable insights into Europe’s Earth observation infrastructure and the role of satellite data in supporting environmental monitoring, climate action, and evidence-based policymaking. It was also an excellent opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities related to data accessibility, interoperability, and the growing importance of digital environmental infrastructures.
A particularly inspiring part of the visit was the discussion with Mr. Eric Monjoux, ESA’s Destination Earth Project Manager. Our exchange focused on the strategic value of Earth observation data and on Destination Earth (DestinE), the European initiative developing a highly accurate digital twin of the Earth. By combining Copernicus data, advanced modelling, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, DestinE aims to enhance our capacity to understand, monitor, and anticipate environmental and climate-related changes.
The visit offered important perspectives for my research and reinforced the central role of European space programmes in addressing contemporary environmental challenges and supporting the green and digital transitions.
I am grateful to ESA for the warm welcome and for the stimulating discussions that will undoubtedly enrich the next stages of my research.
