The exploitation of natural resources—particularly minerals and water—is central to economic development but raises substantial environmental and social challenges. Rising demand for minerals, driven by urbanization and the energy transition, has intensified mining activity, often at the expense of ecosystems and local communities. Fresh water resources, while essential, are increasingly strained by intensive agriculture, industrialization, and climate change. Sustainable management of these resources is therefore critical to preventing shortages with potentially severe economic and social consequences.

 

Satellites play a key role in monitoring and managing natural resources. This research axis addresses several interrelated questions. For example, Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 missions allow for the detection and temporal tracking of mining activities, as well as for the assessment of their environmental impacts. When combined with microeconomic data,these observations make it possible to study the effects of resource extraction on incomes, health outcomes, and migration. For water resources, satellites such as Sentinel-3 and radar altimetry missions enable the monitoring of water levels in reservoirs, rivers, and lakes, as well as hydrological flows and soil-moisture cycles. These data are crucial for water-use planning, drought-risk mitigation, and the prevention of water-related conflicts.