The Pearl at COP30: Strengthening Climate Resilience through Satellite Climate Intelligence
Date: Tuesday, 12 November 2025
Time: 11:30–13:30 GMT
Location: Online
The COP30 online event, hosted by Space4Climate in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, the National Centre for Earth Observation, the Royal Meteorological Society, and The Pearl at the University of Reading, brought together experts from academia, industry, and policy to explore how satellite data and evidence can strengthen climate resilience. The session opened with an Industry Panel discussion moderated by Professor Rosalind Cornforth (The Pearl), featuring Ian Wilson (Deloitte), Martin Valenti (South of Scotland Enterprise), Naomi Rowe-Gurney (UKCEH), and Donna Lyndsay (Lyndsay Consulting). Panellists shared insights on mobilizing geospatial and Earth observation data for climate-smart decisions, financing nature-based solutions, regulatory challenges, and the need for collaboration and investment in research capacity.
Following the panel, the event showcased Space4Climate case studies from members including Environment Systems, GHGSat, Map Impact, and 4Ei, highlighting innovative applications of satellite data for environmental monitoring and climate services.
The final segment connected participants live to Belém, Brazil, for an update from COP30’s Blue Zone, featuring Professor Emmanuel Essah, Head of School for the Built Environment in the University of Reading, offering real-time perspectives on negotiations and activities. Prof. Essah reported a strong sense of optimism and urgency, with COP30 being branded as the “COP of implementation” rather than just negotiation. Dedicated action zones are buzzing with activity, including discussions on climate AI, and the UK Pavilion is a vibrant hub for engagement. Despite enthusiasm, challenges remain around financing and just transitions, with private sector contributions gaining attention as public funding lags. Emmanuel emphasizes that “mechanisms exist, but accelerating action and securing resources are critical to achieving resilience and equity goals.”
Register via Space4Climate: Event Page