Economic Engines: Economic Value of Earth Observation Powered by Economists and Earth Scientists

Earth observation is critical to our global population and global economy. Measuring the value of predictions however is contingent on society’s use of those predictions to make better decisions. The failure of our society to make these better choices also has economic implications, implications typically felt most significantly by populations already at the greatest risk. The 2017 Earth Science Decadal Survey itself shows just how important the relationship is between earth observation and the economy as the words economy, economic, or socio-economic are mentioned over 200 times across it’s narrative and referenced publications.

As a non-scientist, non-meteorologist, non-engineer, I reduce complex ideas from those experts to simple terms for a living, especially when I’m explaining it in Washington. In this session, I plan to simplify not just this complex topic to several key points, but also cover the research on the value of earth observation from simulations (data inclusion or denial), historical analysis, and market analysis.

Economies are driven by choices based on enormous volumes of information fed into governments, businesses, and individuals, and earth observation data is hard to ignore or exclude given 60 years of science and advancement. We have to understand how the limitations of the scientific method ought to not also limit the public’s awareness of how they are enabled by that same science.

Following an introductory presentation including a series of animations and graphics, we’ll engage our expert panel for more depth of perspective and thought provoking Q&A.