The World Health Organization calls climate change the biggest health threat facing humanity, with air pollution causing 6.7 million premature deaths every year.
No one and no country is immune to the effects of climate change. We are increasingly witnessing its consequences, including more frequent extreme weather events such as excessive rainfall and flooding, rising infectious disease outbreaks, climate-related natural disasters, and worsening air quality.
Space plays a vital role in addressing climate change, although many are unaware of it. Satellites and remote sensing data provide critical evidence of climate change and its effects, offering a better understanding of our climate.
During COP28 in Dubai, 20 space agencies supported the first Space Agencies Leaders’ Summit to discuss climate-change solutions. Similarly, the Space for Climate Observatory, initiated in 2019, coordinates the efforts of space agencies and organizations in addressing climate change. The observatory charter has more than 45 signatories, including the Saudi Space Agency.
Additionally, several satellites, through current and upcoming missions, are providing critical data on air quality, monitoring pollutants, and delivering essential climate and environmental information related to air, land, and sea.
All countries, including Saudi Arabia, are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures are a significant concern, affecting everyone in the Kingdom, particularly those with ongoing health conditions, the elderly, people in lower socio-economic situations, and even Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
A Saudi study by the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, featured in Arab News last year, highlighted climate-related health risks for Hajj pilgrims and outlined steps the Kingdom is taking to mitigate these risks and support pilgrims.
A new study, led by me and co-authored by NASA expert in Earth sciences Dr. Helena Chapman, explores how space technology, space data, and spatial data can play innovative roles in addressing climate change and related global health crises, particularly through the One Health approach.
Space can play a preventive role through computer modeling to predict climate variations and develop early warning systems for extreme weather events.
One Health emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, recognizing that our well-being is linked to the environment and the health of animals.
In our research, we focused on three key global health impact areas where space can play innovative roles: tackling air quality and pollution; monitoring and preventing infectious disease outbreaks; and addressing climate change-related natural disasters and extreme weather.
There are several ways space technology could benefit the Kingdom in addressing climate change, including monitoring environmental changes, tracking greenhouse gas emissions, and monitoring air quality, pollutants, and polluters.
Space can also play a preventive role through computer modeling to predict climate variations and develop early warning systems for extreme weather events. Additionally, remote sensing is crucial for monitoring desertification and supporting climate resilience and clean energy solutions.
Saudi Arabia is already using satellite information for a number of these roles, and our work highlights how these efforts can be further enhanced to provide innovative solutions for both health and global health.
Sustainability is been central to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and space can play a crucial role in achieving these milestones by leveraging space technology and data for monitoring, mitigation, and prevention. This includes examples previously highlighted, such as using space to monitor pollutants, identify polluters, and assess the impact of interventions.
Moreover, innovative technologies developed by the space sector for future long-duration space exploration missions can contribute to achieving Vision 2030’s healthcare-related goals. These technologies can address interconnected health and environmental global health challenges.
Overall, it is crucial that we all contribute individually, professionally, and as organizations to support climate action. Doctors, academics, and health institutions also have roles to play, as both educational institutions and the healthcare sector contribute to the global environmental footprint.
My colleagues and I previously developed a primer to help physicians, clinics, and the health sector adopt greener practices. By becoming more environmentally and climate conscious and assessing our individual ecological footprint, we can drive change in our lives and professions, making a difference globally and supporting the achievement of Vision 2030's goals.
• Dr. Farhan M. Asrar is an award-winning physician known for his expertise and research in public health, space medicine, primary care, health innovation, and environmental and climate change. He is an associate professor at the University of Toronto and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, a global faculty member at the International Space University, and an associate dean at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Medicine.