Kepler – British Antarctic Survey
Environmental Animation Production Hampshire – Advancing Polar Environmental Monitoring with Copernicus and the KEPLER Project through
Our environmental animation production was put together to help audiences understand a complex topic that would be difficult to demonstrate via traditional video production. Europe’s Copernicus Earth Observation programme is at the forefront of monitoring our planet’s health. By deploying a constellation of Sentinel satellites, Copernicus provides continuous, high-resolution data on environmental changes. This information is vital for supporting safe and sustainable human activities, tracking climate change, and informing policy decisions at local, national, and global levels.
Among the most sensitive and rapidly changing areas on Earth are the Polar Regions, the Arctic and Antarctic. These regions are critical indicators of global climate trends and require specialised satellite technologies and data products to monitor their dynamic environments effectively. The challenge of accurately observing these extreme latitudes lies in their remoteness, harsh weather conditions, and the unique environmental processes at play. This is where the use of environmental animation production was particularly helpful.
The KEPLER Project: Enhancing Polar Environmental Monitoring
To address these challenges, the European Commission funded the Key Environmental monitoring for Polar Latitudes and European Readiness (KEPLER) project under the Horizon 2020 research programme. KEPLER’s mission is to develop a comprehensive roadmap for improving and better integrating the various components of the Copernicus monitoring programme, with a focus on the polar regions.
This ambitious project aims to enhance Europe’s capabilities in satellite climate monitoring, ensuring that Copernicus data can provide more precise, reliable, and actionable information about polar environments. KEPLER brings together scientific expertise, satellite data providers, and policy stakeholders to identify gaps and recommend innovative solutions for the next phase of Copernicus, spanning from 2022 to 2028.
Visualising the Future of Polar Environmental Monitoring Through Environmental Animation Production
To illustrate the potential of Copernicus and KEPLER’s collaboration, we produced a video that combines engaging animation with live footage from satellite observations and field research. The video presents three compelling examples demonstrating how the upcoming Copernicus satellites and data products will deliver enhanced environmental monitoring capabilities in polar latitudes.
These examples showcase the practical applications of Copernicus Earth Observation data in areas such as sea ice thickness measurement, permafrost monitoring, and polar ecosystem health assessment. By leveraging KEPLER’s recommendations, the video highlights how the integration of new satellite sensors and improved data analytics will strengthen Europe’s ability to respond to climate change impacts in these fragile regions.
Why Polar Environmental Monitoring Matters
The Polar Regions play a pivotal role in regulating Earth’s climate system. Melting ice sheets and changing sea ice patterns have direct consequences for global sea levels, weather patterns, and biodiversity. Accurate monitoring of these changes is essential for climate scientists, environmental managers, and policymakers who strive to mitigate risks and promote sustainable practices.
Copernicus’s satellite climate monitoring delivers near real-time data that supports early warning systems, maritime navigation safety, and conservation efforts in polar territories. The enhanced monitoring capabilities developed through KEPLER will improve decision-making processes by providing timely and detailed environmental information.
The Future of Earth Observation in Polar Latitudes
As Copernicus enters its next operational phase, the integration of KEPLER’s roadmap will help Europe maintain leadership in polar environmental monitoring. The next generation of satellites will feature advanced sensors capable of capturing new types of data, enabling a deeper understanding of polar processes.
This improved Earth observation infrastructure will benefit a wide range of users, from researchers studying climate change impacts to industries operating in Arctic waters. Moreover, it supports the European Union’s commitment to climate action and environmental protection by providing transparent, accessible data to all stakeholders.
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Our video offers an insightful look into the future of polar environmental monitoring through Copernicus and the KEPLER project. Whether you are a climate scientist, policymaker, environmental advocate, or interested citizen, understanding how satellite data drives environmental stewardship is crucial and our environmental animation productions can help with this. View another of our videos on sustainability here, all created from our office based in Hampshire.
Stay informed about advancements in Earth observation and learn how Copernicus continues to support sustainable management of our planet’s most vulnerable regions.