It is against this background of global problems that the contributions of the ISY have their enormous appeal and strength.

Why?

It is because the view from space is unique and all powerful.

Satellites repetitively record the details of the entire ocean and land surface with very high spatial resolution. These observations are systematically and objectively made by sensor systems on board spacecraft. Subsequently these observations can be analysed and archived by people interested in the condition and trend of the global oceans and lands.

There is no better or more certain way of assessing the monitoring and health of The Home Planet than by using data collected by satellites endlessly orbiting in space.

I can write these words about the value of satellites with conviction because I have spent most of my professional life using data from spacecraft. There is no better way to appreciate the many problems that face all humankind. There is no better way to monitor our combined efforts to combat these problems. Without space data we would largely be still ignorant of the catastrophes facing us. Without space data we would be blind to the changes in direction and nature of these catastrophes.