Sustainability, urban resilience, and climate action are at the forefront of global challenges, with cities often acting as the epicentres of these issues. The EU-funded SPACE4Cities project has taken a transformative step by offering €2.87 million in funding to harness European satellite data for developing innovative urban solutions. This initiative aligns with the Global Goals by targeting sustainability, economic equality, and environmental protection to address pressing urban challenges.
From mitigating the impacts of climate change to fostering better justice and strong institutions, SPACE4Cities exemplifies how science and collaboration within the global society can create a more sustainable and equitable future.
Satellites, traditionally associated with monitoring forests, oceans, and remote areas, now offer significant untapped potential for urban environments. According to European Space Agency (ESA) data, urban populations are set to increase by over 60% by 2050, making sustainable urban planning a critical global priority. SPACE4Cities addresses this by focusing on three key areas:
Urban planning and management: Satellite-driven digital tools improve urban data collection, analysis, and visualisation, enabling precision planning.
Sustainable mobility: Enhancing public transport, walking, and cycling options while reducing CO2 emissions.
Climate adaptation: Promoting green spaces, mitigating flood risks, and supporting cleaner energy transitions.
The SPACE4Cities project, with a total budget of €5.2 million, reflects the EU’s commitment to leveraging science and technology for urban sustainability.
Starting in 2025, SPACE4Cities will fund up to 20 innovative projects. By 2027, five solutions will undergo pilot testing in Helsinki, Amsterdam, Athens, Ghent, and Guimarães, alongside 10 additional European cities.
This pre-commercial procurement approach accelerates the creation of solutions tailored to public sector needs. Forum Virium Helsinki, the project’s coordinator, highlights that cities increasingly recognise the value of space-based tools. As Renske Martijnse-Hartikka explains, this funding enables cities to address challenges like climate adaptation, emission reduction, and resource optimisation.
For instance, Amsterdam is exploring satellite-driven green space monitoring to combat urban heat islands, while Athens is piloting flood risk assessment tools to enhance disaster resilience.
The role of global collaboration
The SPACE4Cities initiative exemplifies the importance of a united global society in addressing urban sustainability. Projects like these demonstrate that achieving the Global Goals, such as Peace and Justice, economic equality, and environmental protection, requires international cooperation and resource sharing.
Horizon Europe, in collaboration with the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA), aims to foster a dynamic market where buyers and suppliers innovate together. This model ensures scalable solutions, economic growth, and societal benefits, such as safer, greener, and more liveable cities.
Bridging the gap between science and sustainability
The SPACE4Cities project underscores the critical role of science and technology in creating a sustainable future. By leveraging European satellite data, this initiative not only addresses urban challenges but also advances climate action and resource efficiency.
As the project progresses, it will contribute to better urban management, reduced emissions, and improved justice and strong institutions across Europe. Its impact could extend beyond the continent, inspiring global efforts towards sustainable urbanisation.
For more details, visit space4cities.eu and learn how satellite data can transform the cities of tomorrow.
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@ForumViriumHelsinki