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Case Studies
Introduction
Part I highlighted the environmental and climatic
changes that we have witnessed on Earth over the
20+ years since the Rio Summit, noting the drivers
and the impacts.
This section explores how Earth observation
satellite programmes provide information in
support of the development of information for
managing our planet as the essential foundation
for sustainable development policies.
Contents
Six different case studies are presented – each
focusing on different dimensions of Earth and
human society and showcasing the diverse
contributions of satellite Earth observations –
from informing scientific assessments over
decades, to short-term operational forecasting of
national energy demands in order to manage
electricity supply more efficiently.
The case studies are:
− Global forest observations for carbon
tracking: supporting the development of national forest
information systems, and aiding the sustainable
management of forest resources;
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− Water management in support of water
security:
with water becoming an increasingly valuable
resource and with its supply anticipated to become
more erratic, improved management is becoming an
important capability – and satellites can help
governments in multiple ways;
− Disaster risk management:
to address societal needs around the increasing
frequency and severity of natural disasters;
− Food security:
many already see food insecurity as the single
biggest threat facing humanity in the 21st
century, and satellite observations are being
applied to address food price volatility and
improve forecasting capabilities;
− The changing cryosphere:
measuring the loss of our disappearing glaciers
and polar ice caps;
− Climate monitoring from space:
explaining the crucial role of satellite
observations and the institutional challenges
ahead.
In each case, the issues affecting society and the
consequences are discussed. The need for
information and the role of Earth observation
satellites is explained, including an indication
of future plans and challenges.
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