UNDERPIN participated in a joint workshop on 25 June, hosted by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), bringing together experts from science, policy and international organisations to explore how earth observation can support implementation of the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
A key challenge of the GGA is developing indicators that can measure whether adaptation efforts are truly strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability across different countries and contexts. Discussions focused on how satellite observations can help translate this global ambition into measurable, evidence-based progress.
One of the workshop’s key findings was that around 30% of the emerging GGA indicators could already be operationalised using Earth Observation data, either directly or in combination with ground-based observations and socio-economic information. This assessment highlights the growing potential of satellite data monitor climate hazards and environmental change and moreover, assess the effectiveness of adaptation actions, a topic that aligns closely align with the objectives of UNDERPIN, which is developing a set of adaptation indicators based on novel data sources to strengthen Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) frameworks at national and sub-national levels. By moving beyond tracking adaptation plans and investments, UNDERPIN aims to help decision-makers assess whether adaptation actions are delivering meaningful outcomes, reducing vulnerability, and building resilience.
The workshop also reinforced the importance of combining Earth Observation with local data, contextual information and policy objectives to create more comprehensive adaptation assessment frameworks. No single data source can capture the complexity of adaptation, making integrated approaches essential.
The discussions felt particularly timely as Europe experiences another record-breaking heatwave this past week. As climate impacts become more frequent and intense, the need for reliable data to inform adaptation planning has never been greater. By combining satellite observations with local knowledge and robust indicators, initiatives like UNDERPIN can help ensure that adaptation is implemented, measured, evaluated and continuously improved. UNDERPIN looks forward to continuing collaboration with this scientific community and international partners to develop practical, outcome-oriented indicators that support more effective climate adaptation across Europe and beyond.