Five ways satellites can help improve public health
The EU’s space programme, Copernicus, is tasked with Earth observation, focusing on environmental data and its implications. But its less well-known Copernicus Health Hub, overseen by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), examines the relationship between the environment and human health.
From forecasting heatwaves to monitoring pollen levels, here are five ways space technology can support public health.
UV rays monitoring
Overexposure to UV radiation can have multiple harmful effects for human health, mainly for the skin and eyes, it is also the primary cause of skin cancer.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) created the UV index, an international measure that calculates de strength of the sun and its potential risks.
The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) monitors and forecasts this index based on stratospheric ozone levels, cloud cover, and aerosol particles in the atmosphere. UV radiation levels can be predicted up to five days in advance.
Many weather mobile phone apps use these measurements, allowing people to check the strength of radiation in their area and receive recommendations on whether sunscream is necessary or, in extreme cases, if they should avoid the sun altogether.
Bad air quality warnings
Air pollution is a major health concern with the WHO estimating it causes seven million deaths annually, with 500,000 premature deaths each year in Europe alone. It is linked to lung cancer, heart and respiratory diseases, stroke and poor birth outcomes.
Satellites combined with weather models help forecast air quality. With this data, mobile apps and websites such as BreezoMeter and Windy can provide real-time information on harmful air quality levels in different parts of the world.
Risk of allergies
Similarly, CAMS monitors pollen concentration levels in the air and the risks they pose to allergy sufferers. These insights help allergy sufferers with real-time advice to those sensitive to pollen and other airborne particles. When mixed with pollutants, air quality worsens, exacerbating allergic reactions.
The prevalence of pollen allergies among Europeans is estimated at 40%, making it one of the most common allergens in the region - a figure expected to grow as climate change increases pollen concentrations.
CAMS uses numerical modelling and observational data to monitor pollen concentrations of the most common species - such as alder, birch, olive, and grass - at a resolution of approximately 10 kilometres, providing forecasts up to four days in advance.
Tropical mosquito diseases
Mosquitoes cause more deaths and illnesses than any other animal on the planet, and they are becoming an increasing threat in Europe.
The Asian tiger mosquito, the yellow fever mosquito, and the common house mosquito are three species that cause particular concern, according to the European Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (ECDC).
As temperature and precipitation changes impact mosquito migration, the Copernicus Service collects data on the environment changes that can lead to mosquitoes finding suitable habitats in Europe, potentially bringing tropical diseases from their original regions.
So far, their predictions on the tiger mosquito - capable of transmitting dengue and chikungunya - stretch as far as 2085.
Dangerous heat waves
Extreme temperatures can have severe effects on human health, increasing the risks of heat stroke, exhaustion and cardiovascular and respiratory disorders.
The Augusts of both 2023 and 2024 tied as the hottest Augusts globally, according to Copernicus data. High temperatures are becoming more frequent over time, and heatwaves are expected to occur more often, last longer, and become more severe.
The data collected by Copernicus on heat patterns can help scientists understand how this problem will develop and assist urban planners in adapting cities to future climate challenges.
The Flemish Institute of Technological Research, using this data, studied heat-related deaths under different emission scenarios. With their findings, they have developed an application that can be used by urban planners and governments to predict the expected intensity of heatwaves across the continent in the near future (2031 to 2060) and in the long term (2071 to 2100).
