Global Leaders Focus on Environmental Benefits of International Space-based Earth Science Programs

MEDIA ADVISORY

What: Top U.S. and European government and industry leaders and scientists in space exploration are convening to examine the global, collaborative space-based earth science programs that contribute valuable scientific understanding of the global environment.

Who: Ghassem Asrar, NASA Earth Science Program, USA
Adm. Conrad Lautenbacher, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, USA
Kathie Olsen, U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, USA
Charles Groat, U.S. Geological Survey, USA
Charles Kennel, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA
Gerard Megie, Centre National pour la Recerche Scientifique, France
Daniel Vidal-Madjar, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales, France
Jean-Francois Minster, Ifremer, France

When: Friday, Feb. 28, 2003 · 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Hilton Torrey Pines Hotel, Pavilion 1
10950 N. Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla

Why: Global observations and experiments are essential for monitoring and understanding the complexities of Earth's natural systems and how they interact with human activities. Space-based earth science programs offer unique opportunities for monitoring natural resources, understanding the climate, and analyzing natural hazards. France and the U.S. have cooperated in space programs that have resulted in significant advancements in the understanding of such phenomena as El Niño, climate change, and seismology. These programs have improved weather forecasting, seasonal climate predictions, and ocean routing and have contributed to environmental policy decision-making in government and industry. U.S.-French and broader international cooperation is essential in achieving a set of integrated global observing systems that address all aspects of what is known about Earth. The focus of this international summit is to analyze and promote awareness of the important contributions of space-based programs in understanding environmental processes and to consider future challenges that space-based programs can help solve.

Organizers: Scripps Institution of Oceanography
French National Space Center
Mission for Science and Technology of France
Sponsors: NASA, SeaSpace Corporation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Media Opportunities:
A panel led by key administrators from NASA and NOAA and the leader of France's national space agency will present an overview of the workshop's major findings. Following the media briefing, members of this prestigious international panel will be available for one-on-one interviews. In addition, a large, state-of-the-art, satellite ground receiving station will be on site.