To understand the processes and interactions governing the Earth system and assess the impact of recent human-induced changes, it is essential to observe and quantify both natural variability and human activities. In 2006, the European Space Agency (ESA) released “The Changing Earth: New Scientific Challenges for ESA's Living Planet Programme,” outlining 25 major scientific challenges related to the Earth system, where Earth Observation (EO) technology can play a crucial role. To enhance scientific support for these challenges, ESA launched the Changing Earth Science Network in 2008, aimed at supporting young scientists in conducting cutting-edge research that addresses the 25 challenges of the Living Planet Programme (LPP) by maximizing ESA data usage. This initiative is implemented through research projects led by early-stage scientists at the post-doctoral level over two years, summarized in this SpringerBrief. These projects focus on innovative research addressing critical issues within the Earth system, utilizing ESA mission data, particularly from ESA data archives and new Earth Explorer missions.
