Pick up a newspaper, turn on the TV or scan the Internet-Earth observations are everywhere. From weather to climate change to energy, observations of the land, air, sea and living things are an important part of our everyday lives. And yet the full potential of these data for social and economic benefit is still to be realized. As we discover more and more ways society can benefit from Earth observations, we also understand more clearly the challenges that stand in the way.
As witnessed in times of natural disaster, Earth observation data plays a critical role in predicting potential threats and the risks they pose, as well as in assessing the damage after tragedy strikes. Data providers need to get this data to those who need it, quickly and efficiently. But who needs it most? In what format do they need it? And what are the potential benefits?
With so much data at our fingertips, the next step is to more effectively apply this information for the benefit of public health, safety and the economy. How will we manage environmental and economic risk in the 21st century? This is the theme embraced by the Forum on Earth Observations II. This premier event brings together businesses, academia, nongovernmental organizations and government-all the parties necessary to identify the needs and gaps in observational data that must be addressed in order to make progress.