Societal Benefit Areas |
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Agriculture is both the basis of human existence and a major impact on the environment in which humans live. Sustainability of agriculture and security of food supply are some of the most important global problems of modern society. |
AGIS FAO SARVA-Agriculture |
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Biodiversity is declining at a record rate, and its monitoring is increasingly important, both from the perspective of understanding natural and anthropogenic factors influencing it, and to design mitigation. |
SAEON SANBI SANPARKS |
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Climate is one of the most important scientific, social, and economic issues confronting our long-term quality of life. Monitoring and observation, together with forecasts of future outcomes, form a critical input into political and economic decision-making. |
CSAG AMSI SARVA WAMIS |
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Disasters are
much more manageable (and sometimes predictable) if information is close at hand
- on the location, intensity, and impacts of events. Goals include better
understanding of vulnerability, better preparedness, and improved responses.
Click here for an example based on AFIS data ... |
AFIS NMDC RAVA ISES CGS GeoHazards |
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Ecosystems provide critical services and benefits to humanity, but are increasingly under pressure and poorly understood in relative terms. Earth observation is a critical aspect of improved understanding and improved management of ecosystem services. |
SAEON SAIAB NRE |
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Energy management is a critical aspect of reduced environmental impact and improved sustainability - both from the perspective of improved efficiency and, of course, development of renewable resources. Information on the extent, location, and variability of such sources make a significant contribution to development of alternatives. |
ERC HMO |
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Health is directly and indirectly influenced by environmental changes, ranging from impacts of disasters and droughts to long-term effects of settlement patterns, land use, and resource abuse. Data on disease incidence and programmes in mitigation assist with policy formulation and funding. | MRC | ||
Water is one of our most valuable resources, and is overexploited or in short supply in may parts of the world. Monitoring its availability, cycles, quality and use is crucial to better understanding and optimal application. |
BDS WRC |
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Weather variables and long-term observation of them affect our daily lives, from short-term weather prediction to long-term climate forecasts. Weather data systems are globally well developed and form a cornerstone of GEOSS. | SAWS HMO-SW |