Unlocking Business Value with Copernicus Climate Data: Strategies, Challenges, and Success Stories

Climate data is the key to improving business decisions, minimizing risks, and meeting regulatory requirements. With programs like Copernicus, you can access detailed data for free to help you optimize and future-proof your climate strategy. Increasingly, organizations across sectors are leveraging this data not only to comply with regulations but also to unlock new value streams and drive innovation in sustainability.

Key points at a glance:

• Copernicus provides open, free data on climate, atmosphere, land, and oceans, supporting businesses in evidence-based decision-making. (ESA Copernicus Overview)
• Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Lidl demonstrate how data-driven approaches can reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. For example, Mercedes-Benz uses satellite data to optimize supply chain logistics and reduce carbon footprints. (Mercedes-Benz Sustainability)
• With the CDS web interface or the CDS API, you can retrieve targeted data, enabling tailored climate risk assessments and scenario planning. (CDS Portal)
• Challenges such as data quality and integration can be overcome with standards and tools, including the use of open-source platforms and industry-specific data harmonization initiatives. (OECD on Climate Data Standards)
• Examples like OroraTech and constellr show how German companies are leveraging climate data for business success, from wildfire monitoring to precision agriculture. (OroraTech) (constellr)

Why this matters: Climate data helps you analyze risks, set decarbonization targets, and improve your ESG reporting. Those who invest in data now secure long-term competitive advantages and meet regulatory requirements such as the CSRD. According to a McKinsey report, companies with robust climate data strategies are 2.5 times more likely to achieve their sustainability goals.

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Understanding and Using Copernicus Data

A solid understanding and skillful use of Copernicus data opens up new opportunities to develop sustainable business models. For instance, the insurance industry uses Copernicus data to refine catastrophe risk models, resulting in more accurate premium calculations and improved resilience planning. (Insurance Europe)

What is Copernicus and What Does It Offer?

Copernicus is the EU’s Earth observation program that continuously monitors our planet. As the world’s largest provider of space data, Copernicus offers companies open and reliable climate data that can be used directly for business applications.

The program delivers comprehensive data on land, oceans, and the atmosphere. This information is free, complete, and available without restrictions, enabling efficient environmental measurements. Copernicus provides consistent climate information for the entire world.

A key component is the Climate Data Store (CDS), which gives you access to past, current, and forecasted climate data at global, continental, and regional levels. Companies can use this data to develop new products, optimize existing services, or create and offer customized data solutions.

The economic significance is reflected in impressive figures: In 2021, Earth observation data generated €145 million in revenue in the finance and insurance sector. By 2031, this revenue is expected to rise to €994 million. (EUSPA Market Report)

This versatile data forms the foundation for numerous applications—from developing new products to improving climate strategies.

Accessing and Navigating Copernicus Data

You can access Copernicus data in two main ways: interactively via the CDS web interface or programmatically via the CDS API. Both options allow you to find and download the datasets you need.

• Interactive access: Use the CDS web interface to browse, select, and download datasets. Filter options include criteria such as product type, variables, spatial and temporal coverage. In the “Download data” form, you can further refine datasets by year, month, geographic area, or file format.
• Programmatic access: The CDS API, a Python library, lets you automate data retrieval. After installing (pip install cdsapi) and setting up an API key, you can use the API to download specific data.

Here’s an example of programmatic access, showing how to retrieve ERA5-Land hourly data for Europe from 1981 to 2020:

import cdsapi
c = cdsapi.Client()
c.retrieve(
    'reanalysis-era5-land',
    {
        'variable': [
            '10m_u_component_of_wind', '10m_v_component_of_wind', '2m_temperature',
        ],
        'year': ['1981', '1982', '1983', '2020'],
        'month': '12',
        'day': '15',
        'time': '12:00',
        'format': 'netcdf',
        'area': [60, -10, 35, 30],
    },
    './data/era5-land_eur_1981_2020.nc')

Note that you must accept the terms of use for each dataset before downloading. The web interface automatically displays the appropriate Python code for your query.

Despite the easy access, there are strategic and technical challenges to overcome.

Common Challenges When Using Climate Data

Working with climate data comes with several challenges. The most common issues include availability, quality, comparability, timeliness, and sometimes high costs of data acquisition. According to the OECD, harmonizing data standards and improving interoperability are critical steps to maximize the value of climate data for businesses.

A central area of tension arises from the dual role of climate data as a public good and a business opportunity. This often leads to uncertainties in commercial use, especially regarding copyrights, licensing agreements, and access.

Interoperability and common standards are crucial for combining climate data with other data types. Without these standards, it becomes difficult to integrate data into existing systems or link it with other business data.

Another problem is the misinterpretation and incorrect application of co-production approaches. The European Commission describes these approaches as follows:

“The transformation of climate-related data—together with other relevant information—into tailored products such as projections, forecasts, information, trends, economic analyses, assessments, advice on best practices, development and evaluation of solutions, and any other service related to climate that can benefit society as a whole.”

To overcome these challenges, you should create conditions that make it easy to combine climate data with other data types. This includes interoperability and the use of common standards. It is also important to critically assess the accessibility of climate information, data, and tools, especially for commercial applications.

An example of successful use of Copernicus data is Climate Scale. This company uses data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) to create high-resolution climate projections. Climate Scale helps stakeholders assess the risks and opportunities of climate change and make their assets and operations climate-resilient. Through additional post-processing—such as downscaling—the data is specifically tailored for practical applications. (Climate Scale)

Using Climate Data in ESG Strategies

With Copernicus data, you can develop robust ESG strategies and achieve your goals in a measurable way. Below, we show how climate data can contribute to risk assessment, decarbonization planning, and improved ESG reporting.

Climate Data for Risk Assessment and Resilience

The Copernicus C3S platform offers extensive climate data, projections, and tools to support your risk assessment and adaptation planning. It combines satellite observations, in-situ measurements, and climate models, all made freely and openly available.

With this data, you can analyze risks to employees, buildings, and assets. Recent climate developments highlight the relevance: May 2025 was the second-warmest May worldwide since records began, and 2024 was recorded as the warmest year in Europe. (Copernicus May 2025 Report)

Hannes Matt emphasizes the importance of Copernicus C3S:

“Copernicus C3S is an important resource for understanding climate risks and developing adaptation strategies. Its comprehensive data and tools support evidence-based decision-making and help organizations prepare for the impacts of climate change.”

Copernicus data is especially valuable for the financial sector. It enables the creation of high-quality financial disclosures that meet the requirements of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). These data also promote the development of public and up-to-date reference hazard datasets, which serve as the basis for standardized methods.

Data-Driven Decarbonization Planning

Climate data can help you measure emissions, define science-based targets, develop decarbonization pathways, and monitor progress.

Companies should align their greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets with the global 1.5°C limit of the Paris Agreement. Commitment is growing: By 2023, over 4,000 companies had joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), and by 2024 this number rose to more than 5,918 companies. (SBTi Companies List)

The benefits are clear: 79% of SBTi-surveyed executives reported a strengthened brand reputation after implementing science-based targets. Nevertheless, a study by S&P Global shows that only 42% of evaluated companies have set significant climate targets. (S&P Global Sustainability 2024)

Special focus should be placed on Scope 3 emissions, which account for 65% to 95% of a company’s total carbon footprint depending on the industry. Successful examples show how effective data-driven approaches can be: The Economist Group reduced its carbon footprint by 30% since 2020 by focusing on key areas such as paper production, printing, and logistics. Reckitt increased the accuracy of its emissions data by 75 times by capturing data for 25,000 products. (Reckitt Carbon Data)

Better ESG Reporting with Data Insights

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides access to climate data that helps companies develop climate protection and adaptation strategies. The Climate Data Store (CDS) allows you to centrally retrieve and analyze data from various sources.

C3S offers a wide range of information products, including global estimates of variables such as temperature, precipitation, sea level, and sea ice. Reanalysis datasets like ERA5 are also available.

The urgency is underscored by current climate data: April 2025 was the second-warmest April worldwide and the 21st month in the last 22 months in which the global average temperature was more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, emphasizes:

“After 10 months of 2024, it is now virtually certain that 2024 will be the warmest year on record and the first year with more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels according to the ERA5 dataset. This marks a new milestone in global temperature records and should serve as a catalyst to raise ambitions for the upcoming COP29 climate conference.”

This data can help you create precise ESG reports and comply with requirements such as the CSRD or EU taxonomy.

Practical Applications and Best Practices

The use of open climate data, as provided by the Copernicus program, is already delivering impressive results in the German economy. Companies from a wide range of industries are developing strategies to integrate these data sources into sustainable business models and ESG strategies.

Case Studies: Success Stories from Germany

German companies use Copernicus data to develop new business models and advance ESG strategies. These success stories highlight the growing market and government support for climate data applications.

One example is the Bavarian start-up OroraTech, which, with support from programs like ESA BIC Bavaria and InCubed, developed a CubeSat for wildfire detection. The company was able to raise €15 million in investment. Equally impressive is constellr, a company specializing in thermal infrared data, which received €17 million in seed funding for its HiVE mission as part of a CCM contract. The market for Earth observation data and services is currently estimated at around €2 billion and could grow to €7–9 billion by 2032. The ESA InCubed program contributes about 63% co-financing to project costs, which total over €124 million. (ESA InCubed)

In addition to these economic successes, the use of open data also plays a crucial role in disaster management. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) supports natural disaster response and helps regional authorities with emergency planning. Furthermore, the use of Copernicus data promotes the European Green Deal by supporting climate adaptation measures and biodiversity protection in agriculture. (European Green Deal)

Best Practices for Data Integration and Analysis

Integrating climate data into existing business processes offers tangible opportunities to create sustainable business models. However, less than a third of surveyed municipal employees actively use climate data. Yet, development plans, climate impact analysis, and strategic goal setting could benefit significantly.

A transdisciplinary co-design approach that involves municipal users helps tailor solutions to local conditions. Agile data workflows, such as those introduced in the Swedish city of Ängelholm, can make it easier to integrate climate data into urban planning. Ängelholm established agile administrative management as early as 2015, serving as a model. (Ängelholm Municipality)

One of the biggest challenges is data collection along supply chains. According to a 2022 survey, over 60% of German companies surveyed reported difficulties in collecting accurate and reliable data on their supply chain activities. A third of reporting companies also lack an overview of indirect suppliers. Companies can overcome these hurdles by starting early with supplier data processing, developing clear guidelines for data collection, and using digital tools such as ESG reporting software. The introduction of integrated risk management systems and collaboration with local producers can also help improve data quality.

To fully realize the potential of Copernicus data, data flows and processes should be systematically analyzed. It is important to determine relevant climate parameters as well as the optimal spatial and temporal resolution of the data. This can bring decisive advantages, especially in the municipal sector.

Transforming Business Models with Climate Data

Climate data is changing the way business models are designed. The freely accessible Copernicus data provides a foundation for new products and strengthens companies’ competitive positions. Below, we highlight how this data foundation helps companies develop innovative approaches.

Business Innovation Through Climate Data

The Copernicus Climate Data Store (CDS) provides companies with key climate data from satellite observations and models. This data opens up new business opportunities and expands existing services. One example is Forest Forward, which uses data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) to inform forest owners and forestry companies about climate-driven changes in species distribution. Similarly, the Dutch institute Deltares used CDS data to analyze the local impacts of climate change on coastal flooding in Ireland. (Deltares Flood Risk)

The CDS Toolbox enables companies to develop automated analysis workflows that turn climate data into business-relevant information. An exciting approach can be seen in the “Gaia” project, initiated by institutions such as the Bank for International Settlements, the Bank of Spain, the Deutsche Bundesbank, and the European Central Bank. Here, AI and large language models were used to extract climate-related metrics from corporate reports. (BIS Gaia Project)

Competitive Advantages and Long-Term Value Creation

Using climate data not only creates ecological benefits, but also opens up new revenue opportunities. Data-driven strategies give companies a long-term edge—as numerous real-world examples show. Amanda Sourry, former President of Unilever North America, sums up the importance:

\"It is not about sustainability or business results, it's both. Always. At the same time.… These things have got to come together. It has to be part of the business model\".

The economic significance of climate data is particularly evident through the use of ERA5 data. More accurate forecasts and early warning systems lead to significant cost savings and economic benefits. In Q3 2024, these data were already being used by over 160,000 registered users. Carlo Buontempo, Director of C3S, aptly describes the relevance:

\"ERA5 represents a leap in our capacity to understand past and present weather and predict future shifts. This study shines a light not only on ERA5's pivotal role in tackling climate challenges, but also on its unparalleled economic and societal contributions as it fuels innovation, smart policies and sustainable development worldwide\".

These data-driven approaches not only improve operational efficiency but also sustainably strengthen companies’ ESG performance.

Conclusion: Turning Climate Data into Real Business Value

Turning open climate data into measurable business value is no longer a distant vision—it’s already a business reality. Over 75% of companies recognize clear competitive advantages in ESG practices, while 76% of consumers actively avoid companies that violate ESG principles. (PwC ESG Consumer Survey)

There are already impressive examples that highlight the benefits of open climate data: In 2018, Paraguay used a monitoring dashboard to show how centralized climate data can enable informed decisions. Colombia took another step with the “Aclímate Colombia” platform, helping farmers adapt to changing weather conditions. These examples show how important it is to rely on open climate data to make smart decisions. (World Bank - Aclímate Colombia)

The economic benefits speak for themselves: Companies with high ESG ratings achieve an average of 4–6% higher annual returns. At the same time, the consequences of climate risks underscore the need for action. In the past five years, the USA recorded 18 climate-related disasters with damages in the billions. Such events make it clear why climate resilience—the ability to prepare for and quickly recover from extreme weather events—is crucial. (NOAA Billion-Dollar Disasters)

Companies must therefore adopt future-oriented strategies. Nearly 50% of member countries in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) have already committed to publishing open environmental and climate data. Programs like Copernicus provide the necessary data and offer significant opportunities for German companies as well. Those who use this data strategically secure an edge in an increasingly data-driven economy. The targeted integration of climate data thus becomes the key to creating long-term business value.

Climate data is indispensable for risk management, adapting to new challenges, and sustainable growth. Companies that implement these insights today will be among the leading players in their industries tomorrow.

FAQs

How Can Companies Use Copernicus Climate Data to Gain Competitive Advantages?

Companies can use Copernicus climate data to make better decisions, assess climate risks more precisely, and discover new opportunities in the context of climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides data to help develop strategies for climate adaptation, risk management, and decarbonization. For example, companies in the energy sector use Copernicus data to optimize renewable energy production by forecasting solar and wind availability, while logistics firms use it to anticipate and mitigate weather-related disruptions. (Copernicus for Energy)

By analyzing this open data, companies can, for example, identify vulnerabilities in their supply chain, tap into sustainable business areas, or further develop their ESG strategies. Thanks to the available tools and information, you can make informed, data-driven decisions that not only meet current requirements but also create long-term competitive advantages.

Access to these resources is not only economically sensible but also a crucial step in firmly embedding sustainability and resilience into everyday business operations.

What Challenges Exist When Using Climate Data in Business Processes, and How Can They Be Overcome?

Integrating climate data into business processes often comes with challenges. These include the complexity of the data, lack of uniform standards, and insufficient coordination between departments. These hurdles can make it difficult to use the available information effectively. According to the OECD, adopting international standards and investing in staff training are key to overcoming these barriers.

To overcome such difficulties, it is crucial for companies to develop clear data management strategies, implement standardized procedures, and establish cross-departmental teams. Such measures not only facilitate data analysis but also its targeted application—in ESG strategies, climate risk assessment, or decarbonization plans.

Through careful planning and close collaboration, companies can successfully integrate climate data into their processes and make informed decisions that pave the way to a more sustainable future.

How Can German Companies Successfully Use Copernicus Data to Develop Sustainable Business Solutions?

German companies use Copernicus data across a wide range of areas to make informed decisions and develop strategies for a more sustainable future. One example is the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to reduce emissions in a targeted way. The data is also used to monitor extreme weather events such as floods or droughts, enabling faster responses and minimizing damage. Climate and environmental protection projects also benefit from this precise information.

In agriculture and resource management, Copernicus data provides valuable support as well. For example, it helps optimize water usage or monitor soil quality. This enables companies to better assess climate risks, strategically expand their ESG strategies, and develop more effective decarbonization measures. The Copernicus Agriculture Service offers tailored datasets for these applications.

These diverse use cases illustrate how Copernicus data helps companies design sustainable and future-proof solutions.