15 / 280
[
] 15
The growing vulnerability of today’s society, which is faced with the evolution and processes taking place on
our planet, has meant data and information about our planet have become fundamentally important, not
only for real time activities but also scheduled strategic activities and, of course, research. The need to have
as much data as possible to ensure its quality, and that these are processed quickly and efficiently, especially
in emergency situations, justify the high priority given to the implantation of a Global Earth Observation
System of Systems (GEOSS) to coordinate and foster all these activities.
Two years after the GEO was created as the driving force behind the global implantation of the GEOSS,
some encouraging results have been obtained, but there is still a lot to be done. The quick, efficient delivery
of data and predictions regarding communities at risk of the effects of adverse phenomena must be ensured.
It is also necessary to ensure that any new technology projects are introduced appropriately in the social and
human contexts they are to serve, taking into account their own specifics and requirements, and ensuring
that suitable training is given and the highest degree of responsibility is accepted for their operation and
maintenance.
Extensive training and diffusion activities must also be developed, processes must be simplified and
administrative obstacles must be removed, to facilitate collaboration and the quick, efficient introduction of
projects and systems. Perhaps the most important aspect is the progressive construction of an extensive
planetary awareness that we all depend on each other to achieve decent, healthy living conditions on Earth. I
think GEOSS plays a key role in all of this and that initiatives such as this book,
The Full Picture
, within this
framework may contribute to greater understanding and dialogue concerning this planetary challenge,
something to which the Spanish Government is firmly committed.
Cristina Narbona
Minister of Environment, Spain
STATEMENT FROM CRISTINA NARBONA,
MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, SPAIN