Copernicus is the new name of the European
Commission’s Earth Observation Programme, previously known as GMES
(Global Monitoring for Environment and Security). The new name was
announced today by Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani during the
Competitiveness Council.
In a world facing an increased risk of natural and other
disasters Copernicus aims to monitor the state of the environment on
land, at sea and in the atmosphere and also to improve citizens'
security. At the same time, Copernicus is a driver for economic growth
and employment, with the potential to create up to 85 000 new jobs over
the period 2015-2030, according to a recent study (see IP/12/1304).
Why rename GMES? Why choose the name Copernicus?
All Copernicus's services will soon
enter into the operational phase. User take-up will soon follow because
of the greater data availability. The new name will help to raise
awareness about Copernicus at all geographical and socio-economic levels
— thus creating opportunities for growth and jobs. There will be a
special focus on regional and local actors, be they public authorities,
private businesses or citizens.
By choosing the name Copernicus we
are paying homage to a great European scientist and observer: Nicolaus
Copernicus. The Copernicus theory of the heliocentric universe is
considered by many to be the main precursor of modern science. He opened
to man an infinite universe, previously limited by the rotation of the
planets and the sun around the Earth, and created a world without
borders. Humanity was able to benefit from his insight and this set in
motion the spirit of scientific research which allowed us to have a
better understanding of the world we live in.
Copernicus
Copernicus consists of a set of
services which collect data and provide information using satellites and
terrestrial sensors to observe the environment and the natural
phenomena occurring on the planet.
The Copernicus programme is not
only a tool to improve the quality of life of European citizens, but
also has the potential to become a major contributor to Europe's
strategy for growth and employment. Copernicus does not replace existing
European capacities, but rather complements them with a view to
fulfilling user needs and guaranteeing sustainability and European
autonomy in the long term.
Copernicus enhances our safety in
numerous ways, for example by better management of natural disasters,
allowing for earlier intervention, thereby helping to prevent loss of
life and damage to property. It also delivers reliable information for
monitoring and predicting climate change.
Copernicus helps to improve the
management of our natural resources, monitors the quality of the
atmosphere and the oceans, helps optimise our agricultural activities
and promote renewable energy. It allows better planning of our cities by
monitoring urban sprawl and easing the flow of transportation.
MEMO/12/966 (Description of Copernicus)
source: http://ec.europa.eu
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