Leveraging space technology to create a sustainable future

Our planet is fast approaching global tipping points and sustainability remains a top issue that needs cooperation from the public and private sectors. Through a strategic alliance between Accenture, Planet Labs PBC and other international organizations, we are using space technology to create solutions for sustainability challenges.

Satellite data has enormous potential to transform lives by providing new insights for key decision-making. For example, by leveraging Planet high frequency satellite imagery data, a dedicated team could identify endangered forests or predict the impact of agricultural practices.

Visualizing compliance

Global satellite data has multiple applications across industries, such as agriculture, energy and mining. Enhanced views help with natural resource management, environmental impact assessments and water efficiency. Data gathered from the satellite images helps business and government leaders in a number of ways.

Agriculture often is a contributor to pollution and the loss of natural forests. In addition, unregulated logging for raw materials in furniture manufacturing has also led to environmental degradation. Deforestation analysis and biodiversity efforts in some regions are subject to compliance challenges by the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). EU companies and governments must conduct due diligence to ensure the materials they source are not linked to protected lands that were illegally deforested or degraded.

Precision agriculture with better yields

Together, Accenture and Planet can enable precision agriculture — a more efficient, sustainable form of farming. Precision farming can help to sustainably optimize yield, decreasing pressure to expand the number of acres in production. In addition, satellite imagery combined with other data can be used for suitability analysis to analyze what will grow best in a particular environment.

Data drives decision making

Decisions based on rich data can help farmers determine when and where their crops will grow best, while also preserving the integrity of old-growth forests for future generations. For example, through space technology, we can monitor for crop infestations or help optimize yields, while working with insurance providers to help validate claims, and ensuring supply chain traceability and compliance with importation and exportation regulations.

With data-rich satellite imagery leading the way, Planet Labs, Accenture and other partners are improving agricultural practices in compliance with environmental regulations to benefit industry and society for a more sustainable future.