Air Quality, Citizen Science and Capacity Building Powered by Earth Observations | Dr Pawan Gupta

Abstract: In this talk, I will discuss the global air quality monitoring status, gaps, and opportunities. The role of Earth Observing Satellites (EOS) in global air quality monitoring will be discussed. Examples of various air quality applications where satellite data have successfully used will be presented. The role of low-cost air-quality monitor network in understanding spatial and temporal gradient in column and surface particles loading will also be discussed. I will also discuss some of the NASA resources and capacity-building programs to support the use of space-based observations for monitoring and decision-making activities around the world.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Gupta is currently senior scientist of Earth Sciences at the Science and Technology Institute (IST) of Universities Space Research Association (USRA) at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). His main research expertise is in the application of satellite remote sensing for air quality monitoring and assessment around the world. He has also published several research studies focusing on air quality in growing mega cities, spatial and temporal trends in aerosols over urban regions, radiative effects of aerosols, development of statistical models to estimate surface level PM air quality, aerosols and clouds data validation, aerosol retrievals and satellite aerosol data fusion for air quality and climate change research. Dr. Gupta currently works with MODIS aerosol groups and involved in development and validation of aerosols products from various NASA and Non-NASA satellites. He is also involved in developing and conducting remote sensing technical workshops and capacity building activities for the NASA air quality-training group of NASA Applied Sciences Program (ARSET). He leads the ARSET Air Quality Team and serve as portfolio manager for NASA’s SERVIR Applied Science Team (AST).