European statement to UN supports the use of outer space for peaceful purposes
Speaking on behalf of the EU, 10 candidate countries and Norway, Ulrich Sørensen, an advisor from the Mission of Denmark to the UN, expressed support for international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space in New York on 7 October. 'The European Union believes that space science and technology will play an increasing role in achieving the goals and monitoring the implementation of international agreements,' said Mr Sørensen. 'Peaceful uses of outer space provide a powerful tool to bring about global cooperation and thus to further progress for the well being of humanity, protecting our planet's environment and managing its resources,' he added. Referring to sustainable development, Mr Sørensen emphasised the role that the European Space Agency's technology will play in monitoring the environment. The satellite Envisat 'is envisaged to deliver data about global warming, ozone depletion and climate change for at least five years. Such data and information is absolutely necessary as a basis for political decisions with consequences for climate and environment,' he said. Envisat, along with other space-borne and terrestrial observation systems 'will improve the ability of European researchers and public authorities to, inter alia, track environmental pollution, react to emergencies and improve cross border response to catastrophic events,' he added.