Scientific and industrial space research is a strong driving force for new technology developments with many subsequent applications of benefit to society and the environment.

The aim of activities carried out in this area is two-fold: to strengthen, by integrating its research efforts, the scientific and technological bases of the European aeronautics and space industry and encouraging it to become more competitive at international level; and to help exploit the potential of European research in this sector with a view to improving safety and environmental protection.

Research into the natural environment, environmental quality and global change" the aim of which is to understand the basic mechanisms of the climate and natural systems and their impact on natural resources (water, forests, agriculture, desertification, coastal areas); ". Environmental technologies" in order to develop environmental monitoring and protection technologies (biosensors, waste treatment, etc.), the restoration of deteriorated sectors of the environment, and the management of natural hazards (forest fires, seismic and volcanic risks, flooding, etc.); ". Space technology applied to Earth observation and envi ...[+++]ronmental research" in order to determine the planet's state of health from satellite data, necessitating the development of specific space instruments (advanced sensors).

Amount deemed necessary: ECU 532 million Indicative breakdown by area: Theme % Natural environment, environmental quality and global change 47 Environmental technologies 25 Space techniques applied to environmental monitoring and research 20,5 Human dimensions of environmental change 7,5 _____ TOTAL 100 % ECU 532 million Biomedicine and health Objectives: - to contribute to the improvement of the health of the citizens of Europe, combat disease and support the health industry; - to contribute to the increased effectiveness of researc ...[+++]h and development in medicine and health, in particular by ensuring better coordination of the relevant activities of the Member States and the application of the results through cooperation and the pooling of resources at Community level; - to contribute to the concentration of research on projects of interest to the Community and consumers and to promote the transfer from research to clinical application.

It builds on previous programmes by funding research in the following four areas: 1 research into the natural environment, environmental quality and global change, whose aim is to understand the basic mechanisms of the climate and natural systems and their impact on natural resources 2 environmental technologies for monitoring, protection, rehabili- tation, and risk assessment 3 space techniques applied to earth observation and env ...[+++]ironmental research, in order to determine the planet s health from satellite data 4 human dimensions of environmental change, which will assess the socio-economic causes and impact of environmental change (sus- tainable development) Some examples of projects selected under the Space Techniques section of the Environment and Climate Prgramme .

6. Environment and climate The environment and climate programme will continue the efforts to structure European environmental research by establishing networks of excellence and RTD in the following three areas: - "Research into the natural environment, environmental quality and global change" the aim of which is to understand the basic mechanisms of the climate and natural systems and to assess the impact of human activities on these systems and on natural resources (water, forests, agriculture, desertification, coastal areas); - "Environmental technol ...[+++]ogies" in order to develop environmental monitoring and protection technologies (biosensors, waste treatment, etc.), the restoration of deteriorated sectors of the environment, and the management of natural hazards (forest fires, seismic and volcanic risks, flooding, etc.); - "Space technology applied to Earth observation and environmental research" in order to determine the planet's state of health from satellite data, necessitating the development of specific space instruments (advanced sensors).