ESGW: Earth Observation - Panel Discussion

Earth observation (EO) is a process of gathering information about the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the planet Earth via remote-sensing technologies. In recent years EO has become increasingly technologically sophisticated and the quality and quantity of EO continue to mount rapidly. In addition to the ongoing launch of new remote-sensing satellites, increasingly sophisticated in-situ instruments located on the ground, on balloons and airplanes, and in rivers, lakes and oceans, are generating increasingly comprehensive, nearly real-time observation data.

Some of the applications of EO:
- Forecasting weather
- Tracking biodiversity and wildlife trends
- Measuring land-use change (such as deforestation)
- Monitoring and responding to natural disasters, including fires, floods, - earthquakes, landslides, land subsidence and tsunamis
- Managing natural resources, such as energy, freshwater and agriculture
- Addressing emerging diseases and other health risks
- Predicting, adapting to and mitigating climate change

With focus on satellite-based remote sensing i.e. photos and radar images taken from remote-sensing satellites, this panel shall discuss the potential development: where do we see advancements? In which applications and what impact will it have? What future applications are on the horizon? How can these observations help minimize negative impacts of climate change and modern human civilization? How can EO improve social and economic well-being?

Meet the speakers:
- Agnieszka Lukaszczyk, Senior Director European Affairs at Planet
- Paul Counet, Head of SCIR at EUMETSAT
- Dr. Gwawr Jones, Earth Observation Specialist at JNCC
- Uri Greisman, Senior Director at Elbit Systems

Moderator: Hannah Lindberg (SGAC)