Canadian Group on Earth Observations
www.cgeo-gcot.gc.ca
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Canadian Brochure
Taking the Pulse of the Planet
- Saving Lives and Reducing Property Damage
- Benefits of Earth Observations
- Canada and the World
- Contact Us
Saving Lives and Reducing Property Damage
Over the past 10 years, natural disasters have caused over $5 billion in damages in Canada. Events such as forest fires in British Columbia (2003), flooding along Manitoba's Red River (1997) and in Quebec's Saguenay region (1996), and Hurricane Juan's destructive rampage through the Maritimes (2003) left thousands of people homeless and led to the tragic loss of life. Over the same 10-year period, major earthquakes have caused thousands of deaths around the world.
What if there were better ways to monitor and predict these types of catastrophic events?
Imagine being able to forecast events like floods with enough advance warning so that preventive measures could be taken while there was still time to save lives and protect property.
If we could predict the behaviour of forest fires more accurately, it might be possible to deploy firefighters and equipment earlier, reducing the chance of a fire raging out of control.
With
better forecasts of precipitation or pest infestations, it might be possible
to save more crops or plant more drought- or pest-resistant varieties.
Human health, the health of our ecosystems, and Canada's long-term economic competitiveness will all benefit if we improve the ways in which we observe the Earth and how we share and interpret data about the world around us.
CGCM2 - Annual Mean Temperature Change 2040-2060
minus 1970-1990
Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis
Meteorological Service of Canada
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0 |
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1 |
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Benefits of Earth Observations
Earth observation — the systematic, long-term measurement and analysis of the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems — is more than just knowing about climate and predicting severe weather.
Data derived from Earth observation sensors, instruments, and satellites are used to make important decisions in almost every walk of life every day. They are used to monitor and manage forests, water, and other resources, ensure safe and efficient transportation, design housing and urban infrastructure, and control pollution. Better data and improved analysis will help us to:
- learn more about how pollution moves through water and air and make better predictions about the impact of water and air pollution and the spread of diseases such as the West Nile virus. This will lead to cleaner water and air and improvements in human health;
- monitor and manage our use of precious water supplies, develop better flood and drought warnings, and manage hydroelectric facilities more effectively. Municipalities depend on water data to plan and operate their water facilities and improve water quality;
- increase crop yields and develop better agricultural practices. Better Earth observations will help farmers predict prolonged drought or severe weather, insect infestations, and diseases that can destroy entire crops;
- understand geological and soil conditions to help with the exploration of resources;
- monitor changes in the Arctic permafrost and their impact on Aboriginal people and the fragile northern ecosystems;
- conserve the diversity of terrestrial and aquatic animals, plants, and other living organisms. Scientists need better data on biodiversity to protect our fragile ecosystems and species; and
- provide better safety for navigation. Better ocean observation systems will help us improve marine warnings on adverse ocean conditions and respond to marine emergencies more effectively.
Canada and the World
Canada
is a member of the international Group on Earth Observations, a growing
consortium of some 50 countries and 30 international organizations that
are working to strengthen and coordinate observations of the Earth, its
atmosphere, land, and waters. The goal: a 10-year implementation plan
to improve and integrate Earth observations on a global scale.
As a participant in this initiative, Canada must upgrade its space, ocean, and ground observation capabilities. That is why Canada is developing a plan to strengthen its infrastructure. As a large polar nation, we will play a major role in developing observation systems for the Arctic.
One
part of the solution is to make greater use of remote sensing technology,
such as radar and satellites, to gather data that will help us better
understand our environment, including our oceans, our atmosphere, and
geological and soil conditions. We also need to combine our information
with data from other countries around the world.
Our
commitment to work with the global community provides an exciting growth
opportunity for our Earth observation industry. Canada is a world leader
in developing remote sensing technologies such as the RADARSAT-1 and -2
satellites. If we want to maintain our position in this industry, it will
be critical for Canada to keep up with emerging technologies from other
countries over the next 5 to 10 years.
"I'm
absolutely committed on the need to integrate our separate actions through
a global group on Earth observation. In this way, we will be leveraging
the expertise of all our partners to preserve this planet, to reverse
some of the damage, and eventually make for a safer and healthier future
for all humanity."
— Marc Garneau, former Canadian astronaut and President of the Canadian Space Agency
Data from Earth observations drive good science and shape many economic, social, and policy decisions. For example, improved data will help scientists, architects, engineers, and municipal planners better predict the impacts of climate change and help us find ways to adapt to them.
Our planet is changing, and we need to pay attention. Canada has a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Earth observations, for our country and for the rest of the world. By working with our international partners, we can expand our knowledge and develop a better understanding of the Earth and how it is changing.
By strengthening our Earth observation networks, Canada and the world will benefit from a safer environment, better health, and a stronger economy.
"We've
been collecting data from many different platforms and in different
ways. We need to make it available and digestible to people who are
not familiar with it, like politicians and policy makers, economists
and sociologists, and others who are not engaged in Earth sciences.
We need that data to make life easier, safer and more comfortable, and
to make sustained economic decisions."
— David Phillips, Chief Climatologist, Meteorological Service of Canada
Contact Us
To learn more about Canadian and international efforts to strengthen global Earth observations, please visit:
Cat. no. En84-10/2004
ISBN 0-662-68558-X
