Training Resource Description
Urban development presents a formidable challenge for governments worldwide, as cities expand at an unprecedented rate, straining resources and infrastructure. Meeting the essential needs of this burgeoning urban population—such as reliable infrastructure, water, electricity, sanitation, and education—is crucial for overall national development. Failure to manage these aspects effectively can impede economic progress and social stability.
Compounding this challenge is the impact of conflicts, which forcibly displace millions, overwhelming urban centres with refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This influx exacerbates existing pressures on urban services and infrastructure, creating additional hurdles for sustainable urban development.
Moreover, these issues intersect with climate change, which intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters. The economic toll of these disasters is projected to exceed $300 billion annually by 2030, further straining urban resilience and development efforts.
In tackling these complex urban challenges, access to timely and accurate information about urban environments is essential. Earth observation (EO) technology emerges as a pivotal tool for inventorying and analysing urban areas. By providing comprehensive data, EO technologies empower decision-makers to implement effective urban management strategies and optimise service provision.
Harnessing EO capabilities enables governments and international organisations to develop informed policies and interventions, fostering sustainable urban growth and resilience on a global scale. This integration of technology with urban planning and development processes is critical for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by rapid urbanisation, conflict-driven displacement, and climate change impacts.
Earth Observation also enables exploration of inaccessible regions like parts of the Middle East and North Africa, where physical access is restricted for International Development Agencies. This technology enhances understanding by providing virtual ground-level insights. The region faces challenges such as rapid urbanisation, a youthful and expanding population, and severe water scarcity exacerbated by rising temperatures due to climate change. Cities, acting as heat islands, amplify these issues. Strategies to mitigate urban heat, observable from space, include incorporating green spaces and strategically planting trees to reduce temperatures by several degrees. Mapping with heat sensing technology can optimise urban planning by facilitating airflow and cooling strategies. Given summer temperatures often exceeding 50 degrees Celsius, these efforts are critical for enhancing liability in these extreme climates.