Earth observations, science and services for the 21st century
This study promotes the value of Earth Observations, Science and Services (Earth OSS) in informing and guiding the activities of virtually all economic sectors and innumerable institutions underlying modern civilization including disaster preparedness and response. It demonstrates that disaster preparedness and response efforts rely on Earth OSS for advance warning of impending extreme events (e.g., winter storms, droughts, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and heat waves) along with information needed to anticipate the extent and duration of natural disasters.
The report also highlights the considerable challenges faced by Earth OSS in the United States because of economic downturns and Federal budget deficits that put efforts to build and maintain Earth OSS capabilities at serious risk. The overall document reports on a workshop held on November 1-3, 2011 aimed at gathering users and providers of Earth OSS in order to identify key existing needs and potential future opportunities.