Environmental research as a scientific domain focuses on understanding how the Earth system works at various spatial and temporal scales. Such knowledge is a prerequisite for environmental management. Proper management of environmental problems starts with an analysis of available data, understanding the main drivers, and the subsequent identification of options for measures. Environmental research requires comprehensive observations integrated with relevant experimental and modelling approaches. A federated approach to IT resources and e-Science facilities is also necessary, together with reliable data policies compliant with FAIR principles.

Research Infrastructures (RIs) can be – and often already are – directly or indirectly associated with the observation and production of data that allow for understanding of the environmental issues in space and time. While many environmental authorities maintain their separate official monitoring networks in the context of environmental regulations, the contribution from RIs is often a ‘precursor’ of such monitoring (i.e., testing of measurement technologies, focus on new aspects) and provides much needed contextual information (e.g., broader geographical scale information). Hence, specialists on both sides can ensure, or contribute to, the necessary complementarity and interplay between research and environmental management.

In addition to targeted research on sub-domain-specific phenomena, holistic research using cross-disciplinary approaches is needed to tackle environmental and societal challenges. The quality of the environmental science base affects our capability to tackle (narrowly defined) environmental problems, and (broadly defined) societal challenges, where solutions depend on environmental information among other influencing factors.

The Environmental RIs in the ESFRI landscape play a crucial role in advancing progress on both fronts. This section’s presentation of the landscape demonstrates many similarities and connections between environmental and societal challenges, showcasing how we can benefit from the RIs performance as they advance individually and jointly. Creative research beyond the traditional silos is needed to develop innovative solutions for protective and preventive measures and to identify the optimal mechanisms for their implementation.

To assist with new research and innovation Missions, the environmental RIs aim at:

• Addressing global and regional challenges by deepening the understanding of drivers and impacts of Earth system processes and improving the link between scientific understanding and policy making; 
• Achieving national and international objectives for a resilient society, sustainable economies, and a healthy environment worldwide;
• Fostering new economic opportunities, improving efficiency, and reducing costs to public sector budgets through innovation and collaboration.

The current ESFRI landscape includes eight Environmental Landmarks (EPOS ERIC, EISCAT_3D, IAGOS, ACTRIS ERIC, ICOS ERIC, EMSO ERIC, LifeWatch ERIC and Euro-Argo ERIC), and three RI Projects (DiSSCo, eLTER RI, DANUBIUS-RI). DANUBIUS-RI is in its implementation phase, targeting start of operations in 2024-25, while eLTER RI and DiSCCo are in preparation phase. All Landmarks and Projects are pan-European distributed RIs, except for EISCAT_3D, which is single-sited.

Six Landmarks (EPOS ERIC, ACTRIS ERIC, ICOS ERIC, EMSO ERIC, LifeWatch ERIC, Euro-Argo ERIC) operate under intergovernmental agreements as separate legal entities (European Research Infrastructure Consortiums, ERIC). IAGOS operates as an International non-profit Association under Belgian Law (AISBL) and EISCAT_3D as an international scientific society.

Figure 1 provides a picture of the landscape of RIs with a focus on the environment, subdivided in the four sub-domains (atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere).

EXCELLENT RESEARCH ON THE EARTH SYSTEM: A FIRST DRIVER FOR KNOWLEDGE

ENV Research Infrastructures are at the core of a multi-disciplinary research strategy aimed at developing a seamless holistic understanding of the Earth as a system. They provide the foundation for advancing scientific knowledge on natural processes while developing new scientific and technological capabilities that can underpin broader and applied services. 

It’s thus essential to continually improve and deepen our understanding of how each component (geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and the overlapping biosphere) functions. Additionally, investigating their interactions is crucial, as the biosphere drives the evolutions of a variety of processes including energy, water and carbon cycles, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. Interactions with Space (Solar-Terrestrial Physics) also need to be accounted for due to their impact on parts of the Earth system.

National examples such as Italy’s ITINERIS and France’s Data Terra are vital in Earth system and environmental research, and are currently implemented. ITINERIS establishes an Italian hub for interdisciplinary environmental study, covering areas such as the atmosphere, marine, biosphere, and geosphere. Data Terra, on the other hand, focuses on creating a global facility for Earth observation data and services. It is organised into multiple Data Hubs, each representing different Earth system compartments. Together, ITINERIS and Data Terra exemplify national instances that can serve as models for the implementation of RIs at the European level.