Preserving the Green Heritage through Earth Observations

earthzine.org/2012/02/06/preserving-the-green-heritage-through-earth-observations/

islam 2/7/2012

By Monica Islam
North South University, Bangladesh

Abstract

Sustainability is defined as the ability to endure and to remain productive. It

includes the optimal management of resources. Many factors contribute to
sustainability. Earth observation is one of them. Unfortunately, it has not
received as much attention as it deserves.

Introduction

Earth observation is the process of collecting information about the Earths

physical, chemical, and biological systems. While Earth observation may
seem like a new term to many, it is actually an everyday affair for many of
us especially philanthropic and curious individuals eager to learn more
about the environment, make it sustainable for themselves, and to allow North South University

future inheritors to bask in Earths beauty. For instance, when a nature

lover jots down notes on his or her observations of flora and fauna, it is indeed a simple form of Earth
observation. Of course, due to the advancement of technology, Earth observation can take complex forms, such
as measurements using seismometer and radar images from Earth observation satellites, which are for non-
military purposes, allowing the observation from orbit. Examples of such satellites are NASAs TIMED and
European Space Agency s ENVISAT. The aforementioned forms of Earth observation provide raw data. On the
other hand, other sophisticated forms of Earth observation, such as predictive maps and models, are based on
processed information and are highly required for making decisions regarding issues such as emergency
evacuation, urgent response to natural disasters, and budget allocation for disaster management.

Earth observations are applied in various fields critical to the sustainability of

the Earth, such as forecasting weather, keeping track of trends in the
ecosystem, monitoring and responding to natural disasters, such as floods,
earthquakes, and tsunamis, measuring different types of pollution and its
effects, such as deforestation, management of natural resources, such as
renewable energy sources, forming models for the prediction, adaptation to,
and mitigation of climate change, and addressing diseases and health risks.

Relationship between Earth Observations and Sustainability of the Earth

Users of Earth observation satellites
images Source:
http://eijournal.com/uncategorized/who-
uses-landsat-satellite-imagery
Bird watching, a simple form of Earth observation, can provide insight into
patterns of migration of birds, fragility of the ecosystem, population density of
birds, protection of birds that are at the verge of extinction, and climate
changes. Recreational Earth observations, such as bird watching, can lead to
appreciation of nature by common citizens, even those who lack a formal
education or even initial interest in environmental science. Travel writer
Jeanine Barone predicted, As the Maltese children develop an appreciation
for nature, perhaps this tradition of shooting and trapping birds illegally will
become a thing of the past. 1 The British Trust for Ornithology and the Cornell
Lab of Ornithology conduct many projects of bird watching. The importance of
bird watching in preserving the ecosystem has led to numerous associations
and societies, such as the American Birding Association , the National

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Audubon Society, and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Apart from the sustainability of the Earth,
bird watching provides opportunities for entrepreneurship and consequent economic growth in the tourism
sector. Guided tours can become major businesses, which in turn can lay emphasis on the need for
conservation and can even form a strong lobby favoring conservation. Bird watching also provides a means of
networking, which can transform into long-lasting relationships, partnerships, and cooperation in other ventures
all of which are necessary for building the nation collectively. For instance, the Disabled Birders Association
ensures that individuals with disability can share in the joys of a common hobby. This can eventually lead to a
powerful union similar to a labor union , which can collectively bargain for fair wages and equal opportunities
for the disabled. On a lighter note, Mel White, an author and a long-time contributor to National Geographic,
wrote: I met my wife on a bird-watching trip.2

If you think birds are taking away the prize for contributing to sustainability of the Earth, think again and consider
instances of butterfly-watching, another form of Earth observation. Although not as popular as bird watching, it is
still helpful in determining the factors that threaten or favour the ecosystem. Earth observations involving animals
and birds are critical to the sustainability of the Earth. Animals may sense chemical changes in groundwater that
occur when an earthquake is about to strike. Animal behaviour could be incorporated into earthquake
forecasting. There have been reports throughout history of reptiles, amphibians and fish behaving in unusual
ways just before an earthquake struck.3

An adventurous and comprehensive form of Earth

observation is exploration. I termed it comprehensive
because there are many types of exploration, such as artic,
space, and ocean explorations, which cover a wide range
of specific and specialized fields. Field Expedition:
Mongolia, Valley of the Khans Project4 is an appropriate
example. This archaeological project aims to preserve the
culture and archaeological heritage of Mongolia, while
preventing illegal mining in the region. Illegal mining
causes extinction of animals, desertification or lands
devoid of any greenery and agricultural activity, and
changes in rainfall. Another example would be that of
Benjamin Franklin who authored Sundry Maritime
Observations5, noting how improvements can be made to
ships. Deep-sea explorations are required to investigate
the physical, biological, and chemical characteristics of the
sea floor. Data from deep-sea explorations can provide
vital clues about the formation and management of Arctic exploration Source:
deposits of natural resources. Such explorations also http://www.accessnoaa.noaa.gov/nov02/developing.html

exhibit the importance of river ecosystems for the long-

term survival of wild salmon. 6 Apart from sustainability of the Earth, exploration leads to the discovery of
resources and information, and to the expansion of contact with the rest of the world. For instance, Carl
Linnaeus, a Swedish biologist considered to be one of the fathers of modern ecology, described 100 plants
which were previously unknown during his expedition to Lapland.

A complex form of Earth observation is space exploration. With the help of Earth observation satellites, the
Disaster Monitoring Constellation provides information on disaster relief. QuickBird is a high-resolution Earth
observation satellite that can easily map buildings and other infrastructure. Therefore, it can reveal much-needed
information for city planning. Aqua is a satellite that studies precipitation, evaporation, and the hydrological
cycle. Aura is a satellite that studies the Earths ozone layer, air quality, and climate. By observing the presence
of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory can provide great insight into global
warming and the sustainability of Earth. The data from this satellite enables people to understand the factors,
such as human activities, which contribute to the abundance and distribution of greenhouse gases. It also allows
scientists to make better predictions about climate change. The Landsat program consists of satellites that glean

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information on agricultural and forestry resources, environmental pollution, and mineral resources. European
Space Agencys ENVISAT (environmental satellite)s objective is to improve environmental studies by providing
information on ozone depletion, pollution, humidity, agriculture, and natural hazards. Indias Oceansat-2 is
dedicated to researching aerosol content in the atmosphere and suspended sediments in the water along the
coastal regions. As a result, it has the potential to identify air and water pollution. Besides contributing to the
sustainability of the Earth, space exploration paves the way for a flourishing space tourism industry for
recreational or entrepreneurial purposes. Other similar types of Earth observations are amateur radio and
amateur astronomy. These assist in data acquisition relevant to the sustainability of the Earth, exchange of
information, and, particularly in case of radio, emergency communication for public safety during a fire for
instance.

Owing to the importance of exploration as a major form of

Earth observation and a significant aid in ensuring
sustainability of the Earth, many nations have invested
heavily in this sector and yet more are scaling up their
investment. Apart from organizing Earth observation
summits for greater international collaboration, the Group
on Earth Observations (GEO) has been formed to co-
ordinate the establishment of Global Earth Observation
System of Systems (GEOSS) which focuses primarily on
nine societal benefit areas including disasters, health,
energy, climate, water, weather, ecosystems, agriculture,
and biodiversity. GEO is also responsible for research in
climate change, natural hazards, environment and health,
natural resources management, biodiversity, marine
environment, land and urban management, environmental
technologies, tools for sustainable development, and
cultural heritage.7 For instance, GEOs Global Carbon
QuickBird an Earth observation satellite Source:
Observation unit aims to observe carbon cycle in all its
http://www.eoportal.org/directory/pres_QuickBird2.html domains (atmosphere, land, water, and human dimension)
by ground and space based approaches; share carbon
related data, database, products, etc.; and inform decision
makers to timely address adaptation and mitigation options.8 In addition, GEOs Forest Carbon Tracking unit
operates to demonstrate that coordinated Earth Observations can provide reliable, accurate, consistent, and
continuous information and to provide options, advice, and guidelines to countries willing to implement national
systems.9 GEO unites 75 nations and 51 organizations, including the United Nations Environment Program, to
accelerate the prevalence and use of Earth observations in protecting the Earth. Many nations, such as India,
China and Japan, have raced to launch space expeditions in recent years.

Moreover, there is a plethora of projects that encourage the participation of the general public in Earth
observations. World Water Monitoring Day is dedicated to such an initiative. It provokes the public to actually
think about the water quality, and act responsibly thereafter, by allowing individuals to perform basic monitoring of
local bodies of water. NASAs ClickWorkers is a small experimental project that allows public volunteers to
perform scientific tasks. Similar Internet-based projects involving the public are SETI@home, MilkyWay@home,
Einstein@home, Stardust@home, Galaxy Zoo, and Zooniverse. The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and
Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) is a network of volunteers who record the daily readings of precipitation and report
them online or via phone.

Earth Observation in Bangladesh

On the Nov. 19, 2011, Dr. Peter Kim Streatfield, Head of Health and Demographic Surveillance Unit of Public
Health Sciences Division, ICDDR,B mentioned in his speech at the South Asian Youth Environmental Meet
2011, the climate models in Bangladesh are not very good at predicting cloud formation and rainfall. He
emphasized on more research and data acquisition for a sustainable Bangladesh. Due to the lack of proper
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ocean observing system, 2012 might be the centenary of the sinking Titanic of the low lands of Bangladesh. The
use of observations and numerical models can be crucial to
understanding the subtle sea-level changes occurring in
that region. 10 Furthermore, as Dr. Binoy Barman wrote:
The era of space-faring knocks at the door when
Bangladesh is slumbering. People of Bangladesh are not
that much science-oriented, I should say. The scientific
community of Bangladesh has also failed to come forward
with any plan for space exploration. We regrettably lack
people like A. P. J. Abdul Kalam , a scientist-turned-
president, who was instrumental in the moon exploration
project of India, and Madhavan Nair, Chairman of the
Indian Space Research Organization, who played a key
role in rocket design. When will we get that scientific vision
and political wisdom that will lift us to the height of
Heavens?11 For bird watching, although Botanical Garden
in Bangladesh is famous, the garden authority has done
little to preserve or improve its bird habitats.12 Earth Diagram showing how geology could contribute to the nine societal
benefit areas of the GEOSS work plan. New proposed tasks are in
observation is yet to be popular in Bangladesh, especially
red. Source: http://www.earthobservations.org/art_009_002.shtml
among the youth. Some of the reasons for this are a lack
of awareness that Earth observation includes simple,
regular activities, such as bird watching, and that it is so critical to the sustainability of the Earth. Also at work are
a lack of funds, technology, and expertise to carry out Earth observations, and certain religious interpretations
that shun space exploration.

However, the efforts of Bangladesh in developing this area

are praiseworthy. Bangladesh Astronomical Society is very
active and regularly organizes seminars and workshops. It
has a robust partnership with Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA). The Department of
Environment of Bangladesh has initiated about 12
projects13, all of which include elements of Earth
observation for a sustainable Earth. Bangladesh became a
member of GEOSS in December 2007. In 2008,
Bangladesh decided to improve the water resources
management through sharing data and information
system with assistance from GEOSS.14 Bird fairs with
a view to create awareness among people about birds and
nature conservation 15 are common in Bangladesh.

In conclusion, there might not be many Earth observations

taking place in Bangladesh, but the citizens of Bangladesh
Botanical Garden of Bangladesh Source: http://en.wikipedia.org are definitely in awe of nature and are keen to work for the
sustainability of the Earth. The key is to raise awareness
about the relationship between Earth observations and the
sustainability of the Earth, and to harness the love for nature to conduct more Earth observations. I am hopeful
my participation in a competition the theme of which is Earth observation and sustainability will raise much
awareness in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

Some forms of Earth observation face severe criticism. Bird watchers must avoid stressing birds through their
photography, destroying nests and trespassing into private property. Cave explorers must avoid polluting caves
where water flows. They must also avoid disturbing hibernating bats. Since caves are fragile, a single touch can
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erode the forming deposits of minerals. Desert exploration poses a threat to the life of the explorers due to the
harsh conditions of deserts. Political instability and government policies can hamper mineral exploration. In some
cases, mineral exploration can become aggressive, to smuggle minerals or to discover resources in remote but
protected sites, without any respect to the environmental and social effects. Mineral exploration also requires
miners to work in poorly ventilated, hazardous conditions. There is a major risk of accidents and astronaut
fatalities during space exploration. Apart from that, space exploration is often criticized for its enormous cost.
Behind space exploration lies the philosophy of world domination. All the wealthy countries, even the emerging
ones, are sending a space vehicle to the moon. The dictum that one who controls space controls the world still
persists.16

Despite these criticisms, Earth observations are significantly linked to the sustainability of the Earth, which in turn
affects the social and economic well being of a nation by creating opportunities for education, employment,
entrepreneurship, recreation, networking, cultural exchange and discovery of resources. Academic institutions,
governments, private businesses, non-profit organizations, scientists and many others use data from Earth
observations. Therefore, the benefits far outweigh the costs.

[1] Jeanine Barone. (2010, October). For the Birds: Malta. National Geographic. [Online]. Available:
http://intelligenttravel.nationalgeographic.com/2010/10/26/edit_for_the_birds_malta/

[2] Mel White. (2011, October). The Big Year: A Birders View. National Geographic. [Online]. Available:
http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2011/10/20/the-big-year-a-birders-view/

[3] BBC Online. (2011, December). Animals predict quakes. The Daily Star. [Online]. Available:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=212594

[4] Retrieved: http://exploration.nationalgeographic.com/expedition

[5] Benjamin Franklin. (1785). Sundry Maritime Observations. NOAA Ocean Explorer. [Online]. Available:
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/readings/gulf/gulf.html

[6] Bryan Smith. (2010, July). Kamchatka Whitewater Expedition: Source-to-Sea Kayaking in Wildest Russia.
National Geographic. [Online]. Available: http://ngadventure.typepad.com/blog/kamchatka-expedition/

[7] Retrieved: http://ec.europa.eu/research/environment/index_en.cfm?section=geo&pg=eo-summits

[8] Dr. A. Bombelli. (2011, December). The GEO Global Carbon Observation and Analysis System. Group on
Earth Observations. [Online]. Available: http://www.earthobservations.org/index.shtml

[9] Giovanni Rum. (2011, December). GEO Initiatives in Forest Monitoring: from the Forest Carbon Tracking
FCT Task to the Global Forest Observations Initiative GFOI. Group on Earth Observations. [Online]. Available:
http://www.earthobservations.org/index.shtml

[10] Engr. Nomana Intekhab Hadi. (2011, July). Threats from the Bay. The Daily Star. [Online]. Available:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=193827

[11] Dr. Binoy Barman. (2008). When will Bangladesh reach the moon? The Daily Star. [Online]. Available:
http://www.thedailystar.net/campus/2008/11/01/reflections.htm

[12] Enam Ul Haque. (2010, April). Laughing in botanical hub after 12 years. The Daily Star. [Online]. Available:
http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=134038

[13] Retrieved: http://www.doe-bd.org/projects.html

[14] Bss, Dhaka. (2008, August). Meghna to be model basin for flood forecasting, rainfall. The Daily Star.
[Online]. Available: http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=49909

[15] Staff Correspondent. (2011, February). Protect birds from extinction. The Daily Star. [Online]. Available:

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http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=172916

[16] Dr. A. M. Choudhury. (2011, March). Self-sufficiency in rice: A continuing challenge. The Daily Star. [Online].
Available: http://www.thedailystar.net/suppliments/2011/anniversary/part4/pg12.htm

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