Episode 284: Eyes on the Earth, Power in Orbit: Climate Intelligence and the New Geography of Geopolitical Risk with Sabrina Alam
Description
Today, Dominic Bowen hosts Sabrina Alam on The International Risk Podcast to explore the intersection of Earth observation, ESG verification, and the geopolitics of space-based data. They discuss how satellites have become central to sustainability reporting, climate monitoring, and economic decision-making, while also forming part of critical infrastructure and geopolitical competition. Together they examine how ownership, access, and governance of orbital data are shaping transparency, sovereignty, and resilience across global markets.
Sabrina Alam explains why Earth observation is now integral to environmental accountability, how fragmented standards threaten the credibility of ESG frameworks, and what international cooperation is needed to ensure equitable access to space-derived information. The conversation highlights the dual-use nature of satellite technology, the rise of commercial constellations, and the urgent need for interoperability between sustainability and space governance.
Sabrina Alam is Director in Sustainability Advisory and EU Space Lead at KPMG Luxembourg. She advises governments, institutions, and private-sector partners on the integration of space-based data into sustainability strategies, ESG reporting, and resilience planning.
The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
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