GEO in the News

Press Headlines

"Press headlines" provides a general overview of international media coverage of GEO-related issues. It does not purport to be exhaustive. The links below point to a variety of sources that are freely available on the Internet. The GEO secretariat makes no warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or content of these news articles.

EUMETSAT and JRC agreement on climate to support GEOSS
(CORDIS news, 28 March 2008)

As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, two European bodies, EUMETSAT and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC), have come together and signed a collaboration agreement. Data generated by EUMETCast, EUMETSAT's near-real-time broadcast system for environmental data, will allow the JRC's African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Observatory to generate data...

This will contribute to building the Global Earth Observation System of Systems.

Protect the climate - but don't forget the science
(Denverpost.com, 28 March 2008, by Richard Anthes)

It is clear that our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate and that human beings are the major cause. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other organizations last year took note of the record warmth in midwinter to the stunning loss of Arctic sea ice in the summer...

Developing Countries Get Help to Cope with Climate Change
(Environmental News Service, 28 February 2008)

WASHINGTON D.C. -- A new agreement between the World and the National Oceanic and Aeronautics Administration (NOAA) of the US promises to help realize the societal benefits of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, particularly in the Americas. Read full article

Global push to predict weather
(Courier Mail, 21 February 2008)

Australia's Governor-General has spoken to the leaders of China, Russia and the US about a joint "space-age" project for more accurate forecasts of floods, drought and weather. This high-level support for strengthening Earth observations highlights the importance of GEO's Project on "The socio-economic and environmental benefits of a revolution in weather, climate and Earth system analysis and prediction".

Olympics - Harsh Spring Sandstorms Forecast For North China
(Planet Ark, 21 February 2008)

BEIJING -- Northern China is likely to be hit with more frequent and more severe sandstorms this year, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday, posing a challenge to Olympics organisers hoping for blue skies over Beijing.

Telecoms to save lives when disaster strikes
(Dataweek, 20 February 2008)

The Global Forum on 'Effective Use of Telecommunications/ICT for Disaster Management: Saving Lives' closed recently, having launched two important initiatives, the ITU Framework for Cooperation in Emergencies and the ITU Network of Volunteers for Emergency Telecommunications.

The Bush Plan for Climate Change by James L. Connaughton and Daniel M. Price
(Wall Street Journal, 26 January 2008)
Following the adoption of the “Bali Roadmap”, the White House emphasizes the role that the Global Earth Observation System of Systems can play in supporting climate monitoring and adaptation.

A plan for monitoring Africa's weather
(Christian Science Monitor, 5 December 2007)
As climate change makes the developing world even more vulnerable to natural disasters, developed countries extend a global partnership for sharing satellite images.

Global Earth Observation System Could Significantly Cut Disaster Toll
(VOA, 30 November 2007)
A new global Earth observation system, that could save lives in disasters such as the recent cyclone in southern Bangladash, is being reviewed at a ministerial-level summit in Cape Town this week.

Chinese-Brazilian satellite images to be distributed free to Africa
(Macauhub, 29 November 2007)
Brazil and China plan to freely distribute satellite images to Africa that will aid the observation of natural disasters and other phenomena, officials from both countries said in Cape Town Wednesday.

Countries Urged to Create Disaster Warning Systems
(Reuters, 29 November 2007)
Governments in rich and poor countries should focus more on investing in early warning systems that can save lives in natural disasters, a United Nations expert said.

Global System Could Cut Disaster Toll by 2018
(Reuters, 29 November 2007)
A global satellite system should come on line next decade, potentially saving billions of dollars and thousands of lives by boosting preparedness for natural disasters, a top scientist said.

World's Sunniest Spots Hint at Energy Bonanza
(Reuters, 29 November 2007)
Southern California is sunny, the French Riviera is sunny, but NASA says the middle of the Pacific Ocean and the Sahara Desert in Niger are the sunniest -- and the information could be worth money.

China, Brazil give Africa free satellite land images
(AFP, 28 November 2007)
China and Brazil will give Africa free satellite imaging of its landmass to help the continent respond to threats like deforestation, desertification and drought, the two countries said Wednesday.

Global system could cut disaster toll by 2018
(Reuters, 28 November 2007)
A global satellite system should come on line next decade, potentially saving billions of dollars and thousands of lives by boosting preparedness for natural disasters, a top scientist said on Wednesday.

Planetary Check-Up Starts With the Oceans
(IPS, 27 November 2007)

High-level officials began meeting in Cape Town, South Africa to see if governments have the will to create a Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO).

Ocean monitoring system 'vital to mankind'
(Telegraph, 25 November 2007)
A monitoring system for the world's oceans is vital for the future of mankind, according to an international group of scientists.