Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction: The Role of Earth Observations
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.1.07
- Author
Ms. Helen Wood, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Earth Observations (EO) have clearly demonstrated their value for reducing loss of life and property from natural and technological disasters. However, there are significant opportunities and requirements that still need systematic, sustained attention in order to assure the long-term, effective use of EO as a routine element of disaster reduction. The CEOS Disaster Management Support Group (DMSG) developed a comprehensive analysis of capabilities, limitations, gaps and requirements for space-based EO in this important application area. Subsequently, the IGOS Geohazards Theme and the International Charter for Space and Major Disasters provided opportunities to further develop recommendations and capabilities for the application of EO to disaster reduction. In the past few years, the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO) has recognized disaster reduction as one of nine high priority socio-economic benefit areas for which EO could enable significant improvements. Meanwhile, within the US government, efforts were underway to develop a comprehensive, ten-year strategy for disaster reduction through coordinated, federal science and technology investment. This planning was carried out by the Subcommittee on Disaster Reduction (SDR), an element of the U.S. National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), chaired by the US President, which facilitates national strategies and programs for reducing disaster risks and losses. The members of the SDR, drawn from each US government department and agency involved in disaster reduction, collaborated with scientists and engineers worldwide to identify a suite of Grand Challenges. In June 2005, the SDR released the Grand Challenges for Disaster Reduction, that outlines major challenges in science and technology that must be met in order to achieve disaster resistant and resilient communities (see sdr.gov): 1. Provide hazard and disaster information where and when it is needed. 2. Understand the natural processes that produce hazards. 3. Develop hazard mitigation strategies and technologies. 4. Recognize and reduce vulnerability of interdependent critical infrastructure. 5. Assess disaster resilience using standard methods. 6. Promote risk-wise behavior. This presentation will explain each of the Grand Challenges; identify the critical role of EO for meeting the challenge; and provide examples based upon specific natural or technological hazards, including recent major disaster events.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B1.1.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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