From Response to Resilience: Space and Disaster Risk Management

Earth observations and other information derived from space, air and in-situ platforms have played a critical role in providing information to policy makers and first responders during times of natural disasters.  Satellite imagery, communications, and position, navigation, and timing capabilities are playing an increasingly important role in government and industry efforts to understand and potentially mitigate risks from weather and other extreme events.

However, questions remain about how to use space assets as efficiently as possible in order to better inform the full cycle of disaster risk management. How can users and providers better communicate about their needs and capabilities?  How can space resources help assess potential risks and hazards before disasters occur? Are existing international data sharing mechanisms sufficient to ensure information is delivered to first responders when they need it most?  What is already being done to track changes on Earth and are there any gaps or overlaps that impact decision support for disaster management?  Are there opportunities for enhanced collaboration between public and private Earth observation providers? These and other questions were discussed at a lunchtime salon that the Secure World Foundation hosted at the Space Foundation's 31st Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  This invitation-only event was held on Thursday, April 16.

Speakers

• Dr. David S. Green: Program Manager, Disasters, NASA Applied Sciences Program
• Mr. Joerg Herrmann: Head of EDRS SpaceDataHighway Business Development, Airbus Defense and Space
• Mr. Taner Kodanaz: Director, Seeing a Better World Program, DigitalGlobe, Inc.
  
• Dr. Shirish Ravan: Head, UN-SPIDER Beijing Office, UNOOSA
  

Presentations

• Dr. David S. Green "From Response to Resilience: Space and Disaster Risk Management. A NASA Perspective"
• Dr. Shirish Ravan "Challenges in using Space based Information - Disaster Risk Reduction Perspective"

 For more information, please contact Washington Office Director Victoria Samson at vsamson@swfound.org.