Expanding Traditional Scientific Boundaries with Novel Earth Science Applications: An Overview of the NASA Health and Air Quality Program

Addressing climate change and other complex environmental health challenges requires cross-cutting approaches in data integration and multidisciplinary collaborations to expand the scientific knowledge base. Over the past year, the key role of Earth observations in detecting temporal and spatial changes across global ecosystems has been highlighted through the successful launches of SWOT, TEMPO, and TROPICS missions; promotion of the Year of Open Science; and interagency support of the opening of the Earth Information Center. Earth science information can help decision-makers to improve their environmental health assessments and tailor their community education initiatives to target audiences. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the NASA Health and Air Quality Program and current and future missions and campaigns. We will describe concrete examples where Earth observations have enhanced on-the-ground applications that help scientists monitor harmful environmental exposures like air pollutants or mosquito vectors and disseminate public health advisories. Audience members will gain insight on the program’s activities, learn about innovative Earth science applications, and be encouraged to participate in upcoming capacity building activities.