CSIS Earth Observation and Global Change Initiative

Paper number

IAC-08.B1.6.2

Author

Ms. Lyn Wigbels, American Astronautical Society (AAS), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Ryan Faith, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), United States

Coauthor

Mr. Vincent Sabathier, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), United States

Year

2008

Abstract

Today, global change is increasingly well documented, and the need for and use of Earth
observations is growing dramatically worldwide. Governments and the private sector rely on
Earth observation capabilities for understanding, predicting and identifying actions to mitigate
the impacts of global change. In recognition of Earth observations as a global public good and
an increasingly important national and international policy priority in the coming years, the
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) undertook an Earth Observations and
Global Change Project in fall 2007. The project initiated a dialogue among government, private
sector and science communities to examine the value of Earth observations, assess the current
state of the Earth observation system, and identify the gap between requirements and current and
planned Earth observation capabilities. These meetings framed the issues associated with the
current and next generation Earth observation system that need to be addressed in order for
governments, scientists, industry and others to be able to continue to rely on and benefit from
this global public good.
Among the issues the participants examined was the role of Earth observations in providing
global public good, including its use in foreign aid, relief activities, and policy-making; the
multilateral Group of Earth Observations and its efforts to develop a Global Earth Observation
System of Systems (GEOSS); the challenges facing the creation of GEOSS; and what the future
might hold for GEO and GEOSS.
CSIS is now considering and formulating national and international strategies to accomplish
the vision for Earth observations defined in the working group discussions, including
recommendations for roles and responsibilities at both the national and international levels.
These strategies and recommendations will be released in spring 2008.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B1.6.2.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B1.6.2.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.