The catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is a wake-up call to end our deadly addiction to fossil fuels and a tragic reminder of how little we have learned about the ocean since Carson’s masterpiece appeared more than half a century ago.
Earth Observation, Global Perspective
The next state of equilibrium during which humans will live in balance with the Earth’s ecosystems depends on the choices we make today. In turn, those choices are influenced by the way we view Earth. Daily, we each make decisions that impact our environment; collectively our actions affect the health and well being of Earth. Individually and collectively, we have the power to influence our environment and therein resides our hope for future generations.
TRMM Turns Ten
For the past 10 years TRMM has provided spectacular imagery of the interior structure of storm systems. The unprecedented data have improved our understanding of weather and climate. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission launched November 27, 1997.
Facing a Threat to Farming and Food Supply
Several recent analyses have concluded that the higher temperatures expected in coming years — along with salt seepage into groundwater as sea levels rise and anticipated increases in flooding and droughts — will disproportionately affect agriculture in the planet’s lower latitudes, where most of the world’s poor live.
Emissions Growth Must End in 7 Years, U.N. Warns
The world will have to end its growth of carbon emissions within seven years and become mostly free of carbon-emitting technologies in about four decades to avoid killing as many as a quarter of the planet’s species from global warming, according to top United Nations’ scientists.
A Looking Back at 50 Years of Earth Observations
Today, the ability to forecast weather, climate, and natural hazards depends critically on these satellite-based observations. Satellites have revolutionized how humans view and understand the home planet, helped address fundamental scientific questions, and enabled a plethora of applications with important societal benefits. Continued Earth observations from space will be required to address scientific and societal challenges of the future.
IPY Lights Fire of Discovery
If you haven’t heard of the International Polar Year, read this article. IPY is an international effort to study the polar regions and improve our understanding of their role in and response to climate change.
World's Power Plant Emissions Detailed
Center for Global Development publishes report with database that shows the United States is the world’s biggest carbon dioxide emitter and that it will quickly be outpaced by rapidly-industrializing nations.
Earth Observations Used To Predict and Prevent Pandemic Outbreaks
The ability of infectious diseases to thrive depends on changes in the Earth’s environment such as the climate, precipitation and vegetation of an area. NASA scientists have used Earth observations to help predict and prevent infectious disease outbreaks around the world. Remote sensing technologies are used for predicting the outbreak of some of the most common and deadly infectious diseases … Read More
Bush dealt first veto override on water resources bill
Legislation authorizes billions of dollars worth of Army Corps of Engineers water projects including $7 billion for Louisiana coastal restoration and hurricane protection and about $2 billion for the Florida Everglades.