This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image shows České Středohoří, or the Central Bohemian Uplands, in the Czech Republic.  This region is the site of the LIFE České Středohoří Project, launched in 2017. The project is dedicated to restoring 277 hectares of unmanaged grasslands through increased support for traditional forms of farming. It also works to...

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image from 20 March 2025 shows Puntarenas, Costa Rica from above. Puntarenas is a coastal city situated on a narrow peninsula and known for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life. According to the World Bank, a 1-metre rise in sea levels could inundate 90% of the dry land of the city, with flooding possible up to...

Since May 2025, dozens of intense wildfires have been burning across the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, affecting vast areas of the boreal forest and forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. These fires have released large volumes of smoke into the atmosphere, severely degrading air quality and reducing...

In late May 2025, parts of central and northern Romania were affected by severe flooding after days of heavy rainfall. 16 counties were impacted, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people as streets and houses flooded. On 28 May, the Romanian Inspectorate General for Emergency Situations (IGSU) activated the Copernicus Emergency Management...

At 11:24 AM local time on 2 June 2025, Mount Etna, the most active volcano in Europe, produced a spectacular eruption, propelling a dense column of ash and smoke several kilometres into the atmosphere.  The event was characterised by vigorous Strombolian activity, lava effusion, and a pyroclastic flow. According to Italy’s National Institute of...

Tirana, the capital and largest city of Albania, is the country’s political, economic, and cultural heart. Located in central-western Albania, the city is nestled in a plain surrounded by hills and mountains. The Lana River flows through the centre of Tirana, while the Tirana River runs just to the north. With a rich history shaped by multiple...

Baa Atoll, located in the western part of the Maldives, comprises 75 islands, 13 of which are inhabited. Home to some of the most pristine coral reefs in the country, the atoll supports a wide variety of species, including manta rays, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Due to their ecological importance, several regions of the atoll were designated...

On 28 May 2025, the collapse of the Birch Glacier in the Swiss Alps caused a massive landslide, devastating the village of Blatten in the Lötschental valley. Around 3 million cubic metres of debris crashed down the slope, destroying almost 90% of the village. This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 30 May 2025, reveals the extent of the...

The United Kingdom has been affected by drought conditions in the first half of 2025.  Reservoir levels are already low following the driest spring on record in some regions, with nearly all UK catchments below average. The Haweswater Reservoir in the Lake District of England is visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image from 13 May 2025. The...

In May 2025, three days of extreme rainfall prompted major flooding in the Hunter and Mid North Coast regions of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state. The state’s emergency services agency estimated that the flooding impacted at least 10,000 properties and led to at least five casualties. The flooding further isolated around 50,000...

From 27 to 28 May 2025, Gdańsk will be the site of the EU Space Days, organised by the European Commission under the auspices of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. The event will bring together policymakers, space industry players, and entrepreneurs from various sectors to explore how space technologies and satellite solutions can...

Since early 2025, parts of Ireland have been affected by higher-than-average temperatures and little rainfall. In April, the European Drought Observatory, part of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, classified large areas of the country as being under drought warning conditions. Authorities issued a water conservation order in some of...

Falsterbonäset, located at the southwestern tip of Sweden, is a scenic peninsula known for its sandy beaches, rich birdlife, and charming seaside towns such as Falsterbo and Skanör. Surrounded by the Öresund and the Baltic Sea, the area is a popular summer destination among tourists. It also attracts birdwatchers, especially during migration...

The country of Andorra is nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Known for its stunning mountain landscapes, it is a popular destination for skiing and hiking, attracting outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Despite its small size, Andorra boasts a rich cultural heritage influenced by both Catalan and French traditions.  ...

On 14 May 2025, a vast forest fire struck the community of Lac du Bonnet, in the province of Manitoba, Canada, resulting in two casualties and prompting the evacuation of about 1,000 residents. Manitoba had been affected by unusually hot, dry, and windy conditions at the time of the fire.  After four days, smoke from the fire reached the...

The municipality of Onda, in the Valencian Community of Spain, is a picturesque town known for its historic castle and charming old quarter.  Onda has recently received the “S certificate” of Tourism Sustainability from the Institute for Spanish Tourism Quality and Sustainability. The certificate is granted to areas which promote responsible...

21 May is Natura 2000 Day, dedicated to celebrating the EU’s vast network of over 25,000 protected sites under the EU Habitats Directive and Birds Directive and to honouring the collective efforts contributing to the network’s success.   This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, acquired on 18 October 2024, shows Žemaitija National Park in Lithuania. ...

In mid-May 2025, a heatwave affected Iceland, setting records across the country. At Egilsstaðir Airport in eastern Iceland, temperatures reached 26.3°C, the highest ever recorded in May. This surpassed the previous May record of 25.6°C set in 1992. In Reykjavík, the capital, temperatures reached 19°C on 16 May, exceeding the city’s highest...

The Kuiseb River is an ephemeral river in central Namibia. Starting in the Khomas Hochland near Windhoek, it crosses the Namib Desert before ending in the dunes near Walvis Bay. In rare flood years, it may reach the Atlantic Ocean.  This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 8 May 2025, shows the dramatic contrast...

Stretching over 350 km, the Cagayan River is the longest and largest river in the Philippines by discharge volume of water. Situated on the northern island of Luzon, the river originates from the Cordillera Central mountain range and empties into the Babuyan Channel in the north. In addition to supporting diverse wildlife, the river serves as a...