Development is challenged by, at least until 2050, a strong population,
more severe environmental strains, growing mobility, and dwindling
energy resources. All these factors will lead to serious consequences
for humankind. Inadequate agricultural resources, water supply and non
renewable energy sources, epidemics, climate change, and natural
disasters will further heavily impact human life. The European Space
Policy Institute (ESPI) sheds a new light on threats, risks and
sustainability by combining approaches from various disciplines. It
analyzes what could be the contribution of space tools to predict,
manage and mitigate those threats. It aims at demonstrating that space
is not a niche but has become an overarching tool in solving today's
problems.