The province of Antwerp, in northern Belgium, is leading the way in the energy transition. Bolstered by collaborations between climate conscious citizens and local authorities, the province is home to five energy cooperatives, most of which started as citizen initiatives.

Image Day Mechelen res
Mechelen, Belgium. Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

The city of Mechelen, visible in this false colour image acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 21 September 2024, stands out as a leader in climate and energy strategy: in the last decade, the city reduced its carbon emissions by 15% per capita. It has further set out to draft a fossil-free heating strategy for the future.

Open data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites and services is key to providing communities with important information on the implementation status of policies related to sustainable energy.

Featured image credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

Image: Melt river flows from the terminus of Vallåkrabreen, Svalbard
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