In the last monsoon season, Asian states have been severely affected by the intensifying impacts of climate change, and countries such as Pakistan are already experiencing these consequences in real time rather than as distant projections. Asia remains among the most climate-vulnerable regions, and according to estimates, these states could face severe economic losses if effective mitigation and adaptation measures are not implemented.
This is not merely about future projections; rather, it reflects present realities as climate-induced disasters, extreme rainfall patterns, and rising temperatures continue to disrupt societies and economies across the region.
In this context, the growing democratization of space is becoming increasingly significant. Space is no longer confined to a handful of technologically advanced powers; instead, emerging actors are developing indigenous capabilities to utilize space technologies for national development.
The successful launch of Pakistan’s second indigenous Electro-Optical satellite (EO-2) from Yangjiang Seashore Launch Centre in China illustrates this transformation. Conceived, engineered, and integrated domestically at SUPARCO, the satellite demonstrates expanding national capacity in satellite design, payload integration, testing, and mission readiness. Rather than being a symbolic milestone, EO-2 represents a practical step toward technological self-reliance and data sovereignty.
Operating in coordination with EO-1, EO-2 improves imaging continuity and analytical precision by observing Earth under varying illumination conditions. This capability is particularly relevant for climate-sensitive regions, where accurate and continuous environmental monitoring is essential.
Satellites can provide data on drought indicators, soil moisture, vegetation health, water levels, and weather patterns, all of which are necessary for informed decision-making. Such data strengthens early warning systems, supports disaster response, and enables long-term planning for infrastructure, agriculture, and resource management.
The urgency of these capabilities becomes clearer when considering regional projections. According to the Asian Development Bank, the Asia-Pacific region could witness a 17 percent decline in GDP due to climate change, potentially rising to 41 percent by 2100 if mitigation efforts remain insufficient.
Flood-related losses alone could reach $1.3 trillion annually. Between 2020 and 2023, climate-related incidents caused cumulative losses of $223 billion in the region, while in 2024 Asia experienced 167 climate disasters resulting in $32 billion in damages.
During June and July 2025, Pakistan received 10–15 percent more rainfall than usual, leading to approximately 300 fatalities, while torrential rains in southern China also caused significant loss of life. These figures demonstrate that climate risks are not theoretical—they are already shaping national security, economic stability, and human safety.
At the same time, advances in computational technologies are making artificial intelligence tools cheaper, smaller, and more energy efficient. Compact systems developed by companies such as NVIDIA can process satellite data locally and support the development of region-specific AI models.
Such models can forecast floods, analyze rainfall patterns, map risk zones, and assist urban planners in making informed decisions. Unlike centralized systems, decentralized AI networks connected to satellite feeds can generate tailored insights for specific regions, improving response time and policy effectiveness at provincial and community levels.
However, these technological advantages can only produce meaningful outcomes if environmental data is effectively disseminated. Governments must establish decentralized and regional monitoring mechanisms capable of translating satellite-derived insights into rapid action.
Local authorities and community-level disaster management institutions play a critical role in this process, as they are often the first responders to climate emergencies. The true value of satellites like EO-2 therefore lies not only in their technical sophistication but in their integration into governance structures that can utilize data for practical decision-making.
Climate change is a consequence of industrial and technological advancement, yet those same forces can also provide solutions. The effects of climate change cannot be mitigated, nor climate resilience achieved, without effective utilization of emerging technologies such as satellites and artificial intelligence.
Pakistan’s EO-2 mission highlights how indigenous space capabilities can directly support environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development. Sustained investment, institutional coordination, and accessible climate data will be essential to ensure that such technological progress translates into tangible resilience for vulnerable populations.
