Building Capacity for an Equitable and Resilient Future

Satellite observations of the Earth provide a unique new perspective from which to understand our Earth as a complex system. Users from many disciplines can deploy this knowledge for better stewardship of the planet. However, a lack of tailored education and training opportunities can be a barrier, preventing effective use by researchers, decision-makers, and everyday citizens. Education and training resources must be as diverse as the potential user communities, and flexible enough to meet evolving needs and rapidly advancing scientific capabilities. The interrelated nature of societal challenges, and the explosion of remotely sensed data, models, analytical tools, and techniques has led to a significant increase in demand for training and capacity building beyond the ability to manipulate and analyze remotely sensed data. NASA’s Earth Science Division has established a variety of programs that impart training and experience on the use of Earth observations. These include: the Global Learning and Observations to benefit the Environment (GLOBE), Applied Remote Sensing Training (ARSET), the Student Airborne Research Program (SARP), and the DEVELOP National Program. Collectively, these programs build individual and team capabilities in research, problem solving, and synthesis, and help highlight for learners the inter-related nature of societal challenges and potential solutions. This growing global workforce will contribute and complement government and philanthropic efforts that aim to nurture the scientific enterprise at local, regional, and global level that is more responsive to the needs of society and can deliver information and insights in their proper context in support of equitable and climate resilient socio-economic development.