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As the US co-chair of the intergovernmental Group on Earth Observations (GEO), I am privileged to express
my enthusiastic support for the emerging Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The
progress we document and celebrate at this fourth Earth Observation Summit is truly remarkable.
For decades, scientists have discussed the potential applications of integrated observing technology.
However, it was not until the first Earth Observation Summit some four years ago that political will caught up
with scientific vision. At that summit, nations came together at the ministerial level to express their
commitment to linking their various observational platforms into a global network and sharing the
information for the benefit of all.
The impetus for this commitment was a realization that sound policy decisions about economic growth,
public safety and environmental health must rest on sound scientific data. The growth of GEO through the
next two summits has demonstrated that GEOSS will be the realization of this vision to ‘take the pulse of the
planet.’
In the United States, we are institutionalizing GEOSS through the United States Group on Earth
Observations (USGEO), a subcommittee of the National Science and Technology Council. Some fifteen
federal agencies and three White House offices coordinate through USGEO to leverage our domestic Earth
observation operational and research and development assets in the most effective way for our nation, and
also to inform and integrate our US contribution to the intergovernmental GEO process.
Our world is increasingly connected. Just as economic and environmental challenges know no geographical
boundaries, the prospective benefits of a comprehensive Earth observation system are without limitation.
Working together – locally, regionally and globally – we can provide our leaders with the information
necessary to promote the safety of our citizens, the sustainable growth of our economies, and the effective
management of our planet’s precious resources.
VADM Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., US Navy (Ret.)
Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans
and Atmosphere and US Co-Chair, GEO
STATEMENT FROM VADM CONRAD C. LAUTENBACHER, JR., US NAVY (RET.),
UNDER SECRETARY OF COMMERCE FOR OCEANS AND ATMOSPHERE AND US CO-CHAIR, GEO