SES

Carbon and demographics, two strategic issues will contribute to shape the future in a major way: carbon and demographics.

The dynamic population growth of the ‘emerging’ economies contrasts starkly with the trends experienced in the ‘developed’ economies: young populations in the former, ageing populations in the latter.

Changing demographic patterns present huge challenges to those who plan society’s development; from education and healthcare, to basic infrastructure planning and telecommunications networks. Changing demographics also entail new patterns in the use of communications networks and systems. Young populations are the ‘natives’ of the digital age, demanding mobile, interactive and internet-based communications services much more than ageing populations do; whereas the latter display a stronger demand for high-bandwidth, high-quality one-way broadcasting systems. With their flexibility, their huge geographic reach, their reliability, high capacity and throughput, satellites can easily provide the communications services that both demographic models – in the ‘emerging’ and in the ‘developed’ countries – require.

Satellites are the backbone of the global communications network, keeping cities and rural areas, mountain areas and ships at sea connected; satellites channel education, information and entertainment, they connect people and businesses, and they can be one of the core features of a better, or better-connected life. 

As for carbon, the challenges that climate change presents us with, require all of us to adopt the most sustainable and carbon-neutral behaviours. We want to preserve the Earth for the generations to come. Satellites can contribute to fight climate change. They help monitor climate data, and help to keep the scientific community connected, supporting it in its endeavour to understand the dynamics of climate change. Just as importantly, they provide a powerful, yet most carbon-efficient communications infrastructure, whose operation emits only a fraction of the carbon dioxide generated by terrestrial networks. 
 
May the Shanghai World Exhibition 2010 be successful in triggering solutions for better cities, a better life.

Romain Bausch
President and CEO
SES S.A.