Global Change
If we are not prepared to manage efficiently the increases in quantities of Earth observations data, we will not reap the benefits of investments on satellite systems. In this case, this investment is for a public good, the ability of scientists to use data to study global environmental change. The extent to which practitioners can manage global change data has implications not only for organizational performance, but also for the ability to realize greater scientific certainty about natural and human induced processes of global change. This is an issue of importance to the environmental health of the Earth and to policy efforts to deal with global environmental problems.
We examine the impacts of global change on environmental security. Environmental security concerns the ways in which global change can undermine the stability of regional, national and international systems and lead to political, economic and violent conflicts. The state of environmental degradation on a global scale posits a security threat. The very nature of global environmental dangers imperils human security by undermining natural support systems on which all human activity depends. Ecological integrity plays a role in the economic, social and political stability of states. Environmental scarcity, as a result of many of the environmental dangers due to global change, is inextricably linked to socioeconomic and sociopolitical instability that can engender conflicts between states. We determine how environmental-related conflicts can be managed and prevented.
We investigate the role of Earth observation satellites in monitoring global change. Earth observation by satellites is the basis for integrated scientific assessments of global environmental change. Institutional arrangements to coordinate Earth observation data collection efforts recognize harmonization as essential for the scientific assessments that are sought. The goal of harmonization is to achieve compatibility of data polices – data access, protection, preservation and standards – among the various Earth observation science missions. We help to harmonize Earth observation data for our partners.
We look at organizational strategies for global change data management. Effective data management integrates fragmented and diverse data sets to facilitate effective utilization of the data for the long-term stewardship of the environment. The management of data generated by Earth observation satellites is a critical issue. Problems associated with data management are largely due to organizational factors – administrative and programmatic – rather than technical barriers. We work to advance the utility of Earth observation data taking into account political interests and organizational factors, which place unintentional barriers to optimal and harmonized uses of data.
We assess Earth observations and strategy. The wealth of nations is generally acknowledged to reside in part with their assets in the form of natural resources, including both the physical endowments of these resources as well as their shrewd management. The vantage point of space as a means of observing domestic and international natural resources represents an increasingly important source of information with strategic implications. In what ways should the United States investment of tens of billions of dollars in Earth observations figure in a national space strategy? How can we improve understanding of the strategic importance of Earth observations? In light of the strategic value of information, how best do we organize domestic agencies to collect and use observations, and more specifically? If we give primacy to our domestic goals, what are the implications for international cooperation in financing space assets and sharing data? Should we more strategically manage our cooperative efforts?
