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Houston, we have a problem: can satellite information bridge the climate-related data gap?

In: Addressing climate change data needs: the central banks' contribution

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  • Andres Alonso-Robisco
  • Jose Carbo
  • Emily Kormanyos
  • Elena Triebskorn

Abstract

Central banks and international supervisors have identified the difficulty of obtaining climate information as one of the key obstacles to the development of green financial products and markets. To bridge this data gap, the use of satellite information from Earth Observation (EO) systems may be necessary. To better understand this process, we analyse the potential of applying satellite data to green finance. First, we summarise the policy debate from a central banking perspective. We then briefly describe the main challenges for economists in dealing with the EO data format and quantitative methodologies for measuring its economic materiality. Finally, using topic modelling, we perform a systematic literature review of recent academic studies to identify the research areas in which satellite data are currently being used in green finance. We find the following topics: physical risk materialisation (including both acute and chronic risk), deforestation, energy and emissions, agricultural risk and land use and land cover. We conclude with a comprehensive analysis on the financial materiality of this alternative data source, a mapping of these application domains to new green financial instruments and markets under development, such as thematic bonds or carbon credits, and some key considerations for policy discussion.
(This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)

Suggested Citation

  • Andres Alonso-Robisco & Jose Carbo & Emily Kormanyos & Elena Triebskorn, 2025. "Houston, we have a problem: can satellite information bridge the climate-related data gap?," IFC Bulletins chapters, in: Bank for International Settlements (ed.), Addressing climate change data needs: the central banks' contribution, volume 63, Bank for International Settlements.
    • Handle: RePEc:bis:bisifc:63-20
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    1. David Nefzi & Jolien Noels & Romana Peronaci & Christian Schmieder & Ünal Seven & Ömer K Seyhun & Bruno Tissot & Elena Triebskorn, 2025. "Addressing climate change data needs: the global debate and central banks' contribution," IFC Bulletins chapters, in: Bank for International Settlements (ed.), Addressing climate change data needs: the central banks' contribution, volume 63, Bank for International Settlements.

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    JEL classification:

    • C8 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs
    • C55 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Large Data Sets: Modeling and Analysis
    • Q56 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environment and Development; Environment and Trade; Sustainability; Environmental Accounts and Accounting; Environmental Equity; Population Growth

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