Thriving on Our Changing Planet

Thriving on Our Changing Planet

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2019-01-20

Total Pages: 717

ISBN-13: 0309467578

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We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities â€" social, economic, security, and more â€" that such knowledge can bring. By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.


Review of the Draft Fourth National Climate Assessment

Review of the Draft Fourth National Climate Assessment

Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2018-06-18

Total Pages: 207

ISBN-13: 0309471699

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Climate change poses many challenges that affect society and the natural world. With these challenges, however, come opportunities to respond. By taking steps to adapt to and mitigate climate change, the risks to society and the impacts of continued climate change can be lessened. The National Climate Assessment, coordinated by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, is a mandated report intended to inform response decisions. Required to be developed every four years, these reports provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date evaluation of climate change impacts available for the United States, making them a unique and important climate change document. The draft Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) report reviewed here addresses a wide range of topics of high importance to the United States and society more broadly, extending from human health and community well-being, to the built environment, to businesses and economies, to ecosystems and natural resources. This report evaluates the draft NCA4 to determine if it meets the requirements of the federal mandate, whether it provides accurate information grounded in the scientific literature, and whether it effectively communicates climate science, impacts, and responses for general audiences including the public, decision makers, and other stakeholders.


Understanding the Changing Planet

Understanding the Changing Planet

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-07-23

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 0309150752

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From the oceans to continental heartlands, human activities have altered the physical characteristics of Earth's surface. With Earth's population projected to peak at 8 to 12 billion people by 2050 and the additional stress of climate change, it is more important than ever to understand how and where these changes are happening. Innovation in the geographical sciences has the potential to advance knowledge of place-based environmental change, sustainability, and the impacts of a rapidly changing economy and society. Understanding the Changing Planet outlines eleven strategic directions to focus research and leverage new technologies to harness the potential that the geographical sciences offer.


Earth Science and Applications from Space

Earth Science and Applications from Space

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-10-01

Total Pages: 460

ISBN-13: 9780309103879

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Natural and human-induced changes in Earth's interior, land surface, biosphere, atmosphere, and oceans affect all aspects of life. Understanding these changes requires a range of observations acquired from land-, sea-, air-, and space-based platforms. To assist NASA, NOAA, and USGS in developing these tools, the NRC was asked to carry out a "decadal strategy" survey of Earth science and applications from space that would develop the key scientific questions on which to focus Earth and environmental observations in the period 2005-2015 and beyond, and present a prioritized list of space programs, missions, and supporting activities to address these questions. This report presents a vision for the Earth science program; an analysis of the existing Earth Observing System and recommendations to help restore its capabilities; an assessment of and recommendations for new observations and missions for the next decade; an examination of and recommendations for effective application of those observations; and an analysis of how best to sustain that observation and applications system.


One Planet, Many People

One Planet, Many People

Author: Ashbindu Singh

Publisher: UNEP/Earthprint

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 9280725718

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Launched to mark World Environment Day 2005, and produced by the UNEP in collaboration with organisations such as the US Geological Survey and NASA, this publication uses text, illustrations, satellite images and ground photographs to depict and analyse humanity's impact on our environment. Issues discussed include: population growth and urbanisation, natural resources consumption, land use intensification, biodiversity and habitat loss; environmental impacts and trends including global warming, air and water pollution, and the impacts on oceans and coastal zones, forests and tundra; changes that result from geo-hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis, climate hazards such as floods and droughts, and industrial hazards such as nuclear accidents and oil spills; and suggestions for mitigating the effects of global environmental change.


Our Changing Planet

Our Changing Planet

Author: John H. Gibbons

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 1997-08

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 9780788146886

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Presents an overview of the 1998 research program which focuses on four key areas of Earth system science that are of significant scientific and practical importance: Seasonal to Interannual Climate Variability; Climate Change Over Decades to Centuries; Changes to Ozone, UV Radiation, and Atmospheric Chemistry; and Changes in Land Cover and in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystems. Appendices include the proposed budget for 1998, FY96-FY98 budget by agency and program, explanatory notes, and contact information. Maps, graphs, and tables.


Our Changing Planet

Our Changing Planet

Author: Rick Piltz

Publisher: DIANE Publishing

Published: 1999-04

Total Pages: 142

ISBN-13: 9780788175893

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This report, a supplement to the president's fiscal year 1999 budget, provides the highlights of the recent research of the U.S. Global Change Research Program & describes its future plans & directions. Includes: executive summary; the earth system; global change & regional implications; global change issues: highlights of recent & ongoing research: integrating activities: highlights of current developments; national assessment of the consequences of climate change for the U.S.; & 7 appendices on the USGCRP budget, organization & management, etc.