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Space Observation Systems:  An underused element for EU and global climate change policy / Monica Alessi &#38; Christian Egenhofer. Bruxelles : CEPS, June 2011, 17 p. (CEPS policy brief)http://www.ceps.eu/ceps/download/5827Space-based observation can provide vital data about the impact of  climate change, as well as serve as an essential tool for monitoring the  progress of actions implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  This space-based research can support EU policy on climate change, both  domestically and internationally. CEPS researchers Monica Alessi and  Christian Egenhofer recommend that the European Union and the member  countries of the European Space Agency (ESA) consider expanding the  operational capabilities of the ESA to ensure that it has the capacity  to produce these valuable data, according to Global Climate Observing  System (GCOS) specifications. Such a move would also make a valuable  contribution to the international negotiations on climate change and  confirm the EU's commitment to fight climate change. (© CEPS)