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The UK Space Agency is taking over the leadership of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters (The Charter), which provides data from satellites to aid disaster response around the world.
The UK Space Agency’s six-month leadership will begin with the 49th Board Meeting of the Charter in Edinburgh this week (24 – 28 April 2023), attended by space agencies and organisations from across the globe.
The Charter has 17 members?and 270 contributing satellites, supporting people in need in 131 countries. This mobilises space agencies and satellite operators across the globe and benefits from their knowledge and satellites through a single access point which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and at no cost to the user.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: “All too often we hear reports of the devastating and far-reaching consequences of natural disasters on communities across the globe. Satellites play an important role in the response, with Earth observation data used worldwide to map, monitor and mitigate impacts and, ultimately, to save lives. That is why the UK is a proud member of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters, which has been activated more than 800 times since November 2000. As we assume the leadership of the Charter we look forward to working with our fellow members to drive forward this vital humanitarian service.”
Since it launched, the Charter has been activated over 815 times to date for natural and man-made disasters such as cyclones, floods, landslides, earthquakes and oil spills.
UK Government minister for Scotland, John Lamont, said, “I would like to welcome the members of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters to Edinburgh as the UK begins our six-month leadership. The Charter is a fantastic example of how the international community can work together to help with natural disasters around the world. Here in Scotland, we have seen the benefits of this group with the satellite imagery of the flooding in Aberdeenshire last year which helped local agencies deal with the issue.”
Weather-related disasters are the most common cause for a Charter activation. On average, the Charter is activated 42 times per year, although since 2020 this has risen to an annual average of 50. This included an activation for flooding in Scotland in November 2022.
