The promises and perils of satellite Earth observation for just transformations in sustainability

Satellite Earth observation (EO) is considered an essential tool for the ‘Decade of Action’ towards the Sustainable Development Goals. While advocates claim that innovation in satellite EO will bring widespread environmental and societal benefits, satellite EO also raises significant epistemological and ethical challenges. This review examines the use of satellite EO for sustainable development, focusing on use cases related to renewable energy projects, smallholder agriculture programmes, disaster recovery, carbon accounting, water and ocean governance, and environmental activism. We explore the politics behind data capture, access, and use, recognising that satellite EO has ‘world-making’ effects. We find that satellite EO applications can generate unequal material impacts for people and the planet, while consolidating state or private control over natural resources. Yet, we also discuss how EO data can be collected and applied in locally led participatory ways to advocate for sustainability. Critical and reflexive dialogue is therefore needed to support policymakers, practitioners, and communities to realise the potential of satellite EO for just transformations in sustainability.