Data from Copernicus Sentinel-6 critical for low-lying countries

With millions of people around the world living in coastal regions, sea-level rise is one of the biggest environmental threats we face resulting from climate change. Famously, about one third of the Netherlands lies below sea level and almost half of the country’s 17 million inhabitants live along its 350 km coast or in regions that are below sea level. The country has been artificially held together for centuries by dikes, pumps and polders. Even though the Dutch are experts at holding back the sea, the current rate of sea-level rise still poses challenges and requires huge investments to build adequate infrastructure to continue to protect the country. Accurate data on sea-level rise is critical for planning such investments. While the Netherlands is well placed to take appropriate action, other countries around the world are less fortunate.

For all countries at risk and for key climate policy It is vital that the changing height of the sea surface continues to be closely monitored over the coming decades. Copernicus Sentinel-6 is the key mission undertaking this important role until at least 2030.