How can satellite data be transformed into operational climate services that meet the needs of public authorities and territories? This question will take centre stage on 18 November 2026, when PCP WISE joins the SCO World Virtual Congress for a session dedicated to the lessons learned from European climate initiatives.
Entitled “Data to impact: Lessons learned from European climate initiatives”, the session will bring together European experts to explore how space-based services can support climate adaptation, strengthen territorial resilience and help turn climate priorities into concrete action.
From satellite observations to operational climate solutions
Europe is developing innovative approaches to integrating Earth observation data into practical solutions for climate action. However, translating satellite observations into services that public authorities can effectively use requires more than technological innovation. It also depends on sustainable business models, end-user engagement, appropriate public procurement pathways and access to climate finance.
The session will examine these key success factors, drawing on experiences from different European territories. Discussions will focus on how operational climate services can respond to public-sector needs and investment priorities, as well as how public-private-research partnerships can accelerate their development and deployment.
These discussions are particularly relevant in the context of growing efforts to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience, including the priorities expected to feature prominently at COP31.
PCP WISE contributes to the discussion
Hans Van Leeuwen, Scientific Leader of PCP WISE, will participate in the first roundtable discussion, “How operational services respond to public-sector needs and investment priorities.” He will join other experts to discuss the conditions needed to translate innovative space-based technologies into operational services that address real-world challenges.
Through its pre-commercial procurement (PCP) approach, PCP WISE is developing Earth observation-based solutions to improve water management and strengthen European climate resilience. The project brings together 12 public buyers to drive the development of innovative solutions addressing challenges such as floods, wildfires and the impacts of climate change on urban and rural infrastructure.
By engaging public procurers and end users throughout the innovation process, PCP WISE aims to ensure that emerging solutions respond to concrete operational needs and can progress towards deployment in real-world settings.
The session will therefore provide a valuable opportunity to share perspectives on the role of public procurement in fostering innovation, connecting technology development with public-sector demand and supporting the uptake of climate services.
Session programme
The session will be co-chaired by the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia (IEEC) and the European Association of Remote Sensing Companies (EARSC).
The programme will include:
- Introduction: How can satellite-based climate services help governments and territories implement adaptation, resilience and climate finance priorities?
- Keynote: Challenges, needs, regional resilience and climate financing, delivered by Maria Galindo Garcia-Delgado of the Government of Catalonia.
- Roundtable 1: How operational services respond to public-sector needs and investment priorities, featuring Hans Van Leeuwen (PCP WISE), Antoine Mangin (ACRI-ST) and Oikon (to be confirmed).
- Roundtable 2: Public-private-research partnerships as a key lever for operational climate solutions, featuring Ana Oliveira (Colab+Atlantic), the Portuguese Space Agency (to be confirmed) and Jean-Paul Gachelin.
- Conclusion: Closing remarks and outlook on future actions.
Join the discussion
The SCO World Virtual Congress offers an opportunity to explore how space-based intelligence can support climate action across different geographical and institutional contexts. The European session will focus on the practical conditions required to move from data to impact, highlighting the importance of user-driven services, effective governance and sustainable pathways towards implementation.
Session details
- Title: Data to impact: Lessons learned from European climate initiatives
- Date: 18 November 2026
- Time: 09:00–10:30 UTC
- Format: Online
👉 Discover the full SCO World Virtual Congress programme (16–20 November 2026)
Follow PCP WISE to discover how pre-commercial procurement and Earth observation innovation can contribute to more resilient European territories.
