The Earth Rescue Challenge – Water Edition is an educational program led by the European Space Foundation in collaboration with environmental experts, educators, and institutional partners. Designed for high school students across Europe, the initiative connects space technology with climate action at the local level.
At the core of the initiative is a hands-on, data-driven approach. Students work directly with real satellite imagery and environmental data, guided by a multidisciplinary team of hydrologists, climate experts, engineers, and business mentors. Together, they identify water-related challenges in their communities – such as runoff pollution or declining biodiversity – and design local, nature-based interventions to address them.
Solutions developed by participants are practical and scalable, ranging from rain gardens and vegetative buffers to data-supported awareness campaigns. More than just technical exercises, these projects foster systems thinking, scientific literacy, and civic responsibility.
The Earth Rescue Challenge truly goes beyond the classroom. It equips young people with skills, confidence, and a sense of ownership – showing how their local actions connect to global solutions. In doing so, it contributes directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).
By linking global challenges with local solutions, the program helps shape not just future scientists or engineers – but informed citizens ready to lead change.