Thriving on Our Changing Planet

We live on a dynamic Earth shaped by both natural processes and the impacts of humans on their environment. It is in our collective interest to observe and understand our planet, and to predict future behavior to the extent possible, in order to effectively manage resources, successfully respond to threats from natural and human-induced environmental change, and capitalize on the opportunities – social, economic, security, and more – that such knowledge can bring.By continuously monitoring and exploring Earth, developing a deep understanding of its evolving behavior, and characterizing the processes that shape and reshape the environment in which we live, we not only advance knowledge and basic discovery about our planet, but we further develop the foundation upon which benefits to society are built. Thriving on Our Changing Planet presents prioritized science, applications, and observations, along with related strategic and programmatic guidance, to support the U.S. civil space Earth observation program over the coming decade.Table of ContentsFront MatterPART I: Report of the Steering CommitteeSummary1 A Vision for the Decade2 A Decadal Strategy3 A Prioritized Program for Science, Applications, and Observations4 Agency Programmatic Context5 ConclusionPART II: Panel Inputs6 Global Hydrological Cycles and Water Resources7 Weather and Air Quality: Minutes to Subseasonal8 Marine and Terrestrial Ecosystems and Natural Resources Management9 Climate Variability and Change: Seasonal to Centennial10 Earth Surface and Interior: Dynamics and HazardsAppendixesAppendix A: Program of RecordAppendix B: Science and Applications Traceability MatrixAppendix C: Targeted Observables TableAppendix D: Request for Information and Responses from the CommunityAppendix E: Statement of TaskAppendix F: Committee Member and Panel BiographiesAppendix G: Acronyms and Abbreviations