Exploring the Potential of Satellite-Based Earth Observation for Monitoring Planetary Boundaries

The Planetary Boundaries (PBs) framework identifies nine essential Earth system processes that are critical for maintaining global stability and resilience. These include climate regulation, biosphere integrity, land system dynamics, and freshwater availability. However, recent studies reveal that six of these boundaries have already been crossed, posing significant threats to Earth's sustainability. In this context, satellite-based Earth Observation (EO) has emerged as a powerful tool for monitoring PBs, offering global-scale data with rich temporal, spatial, and spectral insights. In particular, EO missions such as Sentinel, Landsat, and Aqua/Terra play a critical role in tracking PB-related control variables (CVs), such as atmospheric CO2 concentrations and land-use changes. While these EO missions provide valuable insights, significant challenges remain. Monitoring certain boundaries, such as biogeochemical flows, is still beyond the capabilities of current EO technologies. Additionally, the exponential growth in EO data acquisition creates difficulties in data processing, requiring advanced analytical techniques, substantial computational power, and effective harmonization of multi-scale and multi-sensor datasets. Accessibility to EO resources is another critical issue, particularly in remote or underdeveloped regions that are vital for PBs monitoring. Programs such as Copernicus, with its free data access policy, are addressing these disparities. At the same time, emerging technologies like machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) are revolutionizing data processing, enabling the development of indicators aligned with PBs.

This study aims to explore the potential of satellite-based EO for PBs monitoring. By integrating EO capabilities with cutting-edge computational tools and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholders can develop actionable strategies for sustainable planetary management. Continued innovation and equitable access to EO resources are essential to preserving Earth’s stability and resilience.