At the Group on Earth Observations’ 10th Plenary and Ministerial Summit in Switzerland, Jan. 12-17, delegates from 90 countries and 77 international organizations charted a course for a second decade of “unleashing the power of open data to improve the quality of life for people everywhere.” Earthzine science writer Osha Gray Davidson was there, providing live coverage of this historic event.
January Brings GEO’s 10th Plenary Session
From Jan. 15-16, 2014, the GEO Plenary will convene in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss progress and planning for goals of the GEOSS 10-Year Implementation Plan. The plenary will be followed by the 2014 GEO Ministerial Summit on Jan. 17.
Research Centers on Svalbard, Societal Benefits Extend Further
The monitoring of cold regions was discussed during the recent GEO-IX Plenary Session held in Foz do Igua̤u, ParanÌÁ, Brazil, in November. A multinational team of scientists will base their research for the Svalbard Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System in Svalbard, Norway.
A GEOSS perspective on Air Quality and Health in Europe: the EGIDA Methodology
The air quality issue is a multinational concern and GEOSS seems an ideal approach for connecting existing observing systems and for sharing data globally. Experiences from previous involvements in GEOSS by the air quality communities are discussed in this article and approaches for improving their sustainable contributions are suggested.
European Efforts to Verify GHG Emissions Reporting
Growing awareness of the deficiencies of today’s greenhouse gas inventories is inspiring innovation by scientists, policymakers and activists. There is growing hope for ÛÏtop-downÛ schemes based on rapid and even real-time measurement of atmospheric greenhouse gases. Now the push is on to install ground and satellite-based instruments.
Putting a Value on Geospatial Data
The use of geospatial data can spell economic gains for governments and the private sector, while satellite-based early warning systems provide a public good. But, for scientists, defining and communicating the benefits of geospatial data is not always an easy task. A recent GEOSS workshop highlighted the need for further collaboration between earth scientists, economists and social scientists.
EuroGEOSS Broker: Finding Common Ground for Earth Sciences
An Earth sciences project to increase data interoperability is entering a new phase, allowing users in different parts of the world to work with the same information to gain fresh insights.
GEOSS 2012 Bonn Workshop Addresses Earth Observation for Global Sustainability Research
In August, the second GEOSS Science and Technology Stakeholder Workshop will be held to discuss the Earth observation needs of global sustainability research, address the ÛÏGrand ChallengesÛ, and support the eight Millennium Development Goals.
The Latest on the Socio-economic Workshop in Boulder
A summary of a three-day Workshop on the Socio-economic Benefits of Geospatial Information/GEOSS, set to take place June 12-14 in Boulder, Colorado. This summary includes information on how to register and links to an updated agenda.
Colombian Students Shine Spotlight on Societal Benefit Areas
The Earth Observation Poster Project at St. George’s School in BogotÌÁ, Colombia, began as an in-depth reading initiative with the idea of having 11th grade students (the final year of high school) read about Earth observation technology and participate in an online videoconference with Earthzine Editor-in-Chief Paul Racette to enhance their reading experience.