The project’s goal was to develop methodologies and analytical tools to assess the economic, social and environmental effects of improved quantitative and qualitative information delivered by the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) for the nine benefit areas of GEO.
Overview
Global earth observation systems have considerably increased mankind’s capability to understand the physical world which surrounds us. New information technology allows us to shape the future of global society. GEOSS appears as a promising means to measure and to contribute to managing risks arising in the nine benefit areas, altogether avoiding it at times. Our understanding of human preferences through the study of behavioural psychology and economics has also helped us understand ways in which citizens perceive risk and manage it in their lives and provide normative guidance on increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of management. Yet the increasing complexity of modern life is going to require new – and different - ways to share burdens of managing risks ex ante nationally and internationally.
GEO information will be crucial in accompanying this process by providing direct and indirect utility in terms of improved understanding of processes and better planning. Likewise the efficiency and effectiveness of ad hoc intervention measures adapting to global risks associated with the nine benefit areas can considerably be enhanced based on more knowledge and on-line supporting data.