The UK Space Agency and their French counterparts, CNES, have reached a ground-breaking new agreement to work together to tackle climate change.

The Agency's Director of Growth, Catherine Mealing-Jones, and CNES President, Jean-Yves Le Gall, signed the MicroCarb cooperation agreement 19th April at the French Ambassador's Residence in London, witnessed by Jo Johnson, the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, and France's Ambassador to the UK, Sylvie Bermann.

MicroCarb is a satellite mission which will measure sources and sinks of carbon, the principal greenhouse gas driving global warming. It is the first European mission intended to characterise greenhouse gas fluxes on Earth's surface and gauge how much carbon is being absorbed by oceans and forests, the main sinks on the planet.

The mission, scheduled to launch in 2020, will also contribute to international efforts to measure how much carbon gas is being emitted by natural processes and human activities. MicroCarb will enable the UK Space Agency and CNES to pave the way for a longer term operational system in response to the Paris Agreement.

The UK space sector is already thriving, employing more than 38,000 people all over the country and supporting over Pounds 250 billion of output across the wider economy.

With its 10 million pound investment, the UK will provide key components and services for the MicroCarb satellite, securing and growing vital capability in understanding climate change. The University of Leicester and University of Edinburgh will also represent the UK on the joint science team.

Universities and Science Minister, Jo Johnson, said: "UK collaboration with France on MicroCarb provides an excellent platform to demonstrate cutting-edge British science, our commitment to climate policy, and a productive relationship with a key European partner.

"The UK space sector is alive with talent and opportunity and through our modern Industrial Strategy we are ensuring the UK remains a vital contributor to international space research."

CNES President, Jean-Yves Le Gall, added: "CNES is working with the UK Space Agency to curb climate change, and MicroCarb is a fine example of spacefaring Europe's commitment to this global effort and a further illustration of our ability to 'invent the future of space'."

Tweet

In new paper, scientists explain climate change using before and after photographic evidence
Lawrence KS (SPX) Apr 20, 2017
A group of scientists offers photographic proof of climate change using images of retreating glaciers in a new paper, "Savor the Cryosphere," appearing in GSA Today, a peer-reviewed publication of the Geological Society of America. Along with Gregory Baker, adjunct professor of geology at the University of Kansas, co-authors include an Emmy Award-winning documentarian and a prominent envir ... read more

Related Links
UK Space Agency
Climate Science News - Modeling, Mitigation Adaptation

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only