An overview of satellite remote sensing technology used in China’s environmental protection

Satellite remote sensing technology has been widely used in environmental protection in China. Based on China’s environmental protection characteristics, this paper reviews the application advancements of optical, infrared, microwave and hyperspectral satellite remote sensing techniques in atmospheric environment, water environment and ecological environment, respectively, including the atmospheric environment monitoring of aerosols, particulate matter, pollution gases, and greenhouse gases; the water environment monitoring of water blooms water quality, oil spills, water pollution and drinking water safety; the ecological environment monitor of national nature reserves, environmental damages from mines development, soil contamination, urban/rural ecological environment and biodiversity richness. Furthmore, it summarizes the limitations and future directions of satellite remote sensing studies in China environmental protection. The paper specifically notes that the development of high-resolution satellite remote sensing technology, as well as the launch and use of China series satellites could significantly improve the level of government’s environmental management.