Our ability to observe the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and cryosphere underlies our understanding of the Earth system and our ability to predict its evolution. The richness of Earth system observations enables us to span disciplinary boundaries to make exciting discoveries about our planet and address challenges to human health, food security, sustainable energy, water quality and abundance, and environmental change. This year’s Presidential Forum will include presentations and discussion about how our current observations serve societal needs and the limitations, vulnerabilities, and requirements for our future Earth observing system.