Abstract
In recent decades, observation of the Earth from space has profoundly changed the way we look at our planet and its environment. While providing a better understanding of the various components of the "Earth system" (solid globe, oceans, atmosphere, ice and land), space observation also makes it possible to monitor the global changes to which the planet is subject as a result of natural phenomena and human activities. The data collected can be used to feed forecasting models for the benefit of society and political decision-makers, with a view to managing our planet appropriately.
