Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space

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 – social, economic, security, and more – 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. Table of Contents Front Matter PART I: Report of the Steering Committee Summary 1 A Vision for the Decade 2 A Decadal Strategy 3 A Prioritized Program for Science, Applications, and Observations 4 Agency Programmatic Context 5 Conclusion PART II: Panel Inputs 6 Global Hydrological Cycles and Water Resources 7 Weather and Air Quality: Minutes to Subseasonal 8 Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Natural Resources Management 9 Climate Variability and Change: Seasonal to Centennial 10 Earth Surface and Interior: Dynamics and Hazards Appendixes Appendix A: Program of Record Appendix B: Science and Applications Traceability Matrix Appendix C: Targeted Observables Table Appendix D: Request for Information and Responses from the Community Appendix E: Statement of Task Appendix F: Committee Member and Panel Biographies Appendix G: Acronyms and Abbreviations