Abstract. As a national research institution, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has the largest fleet of research aircraft in Europe and uses optical imaging systems to provide a valuable research basis for a wide range of applications in the fields of environment and climate, as well as global disaster management. Airborne remote sensing provides an independent database and is essential for developing and validating methods for satellite-based systems. This article gives a brief insight into the current research topics of DLR’s Earth Observation Center (EOC) with a focus on airborne remote sensing with regard to methane source analysis, water remote sensing, forestry, urban energy management and current disaster management missions, and shows how airborne remote sensing can contribute to the understanding and management of climate change.