Thriving on Our Changing Planet

In 2018, the National Academies released Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space. The decadal survey identified key science questions and prioritized observational needs to advance U.S. efforts in Earth science and support critical applications such as climate modeling and weather prediction. In the past few years, the need for actionable data and better scientific information on Earth's interacting systems has increased in urgency, as global climate change accelerates coupled with increasing numbers of extreme weather events.

At the request of NASA, this mid-term assessment evaluates progress and recommends actions to meet decadal survey priorities. This report explores ways that NASA's Earth Science Division can maintain programmatic balance, improve alignment with decadal survey priorities, and prepare for the next decadal survey.

Table of Contents

Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction and Overview of the Decadal Survey 2 Accomplishments and Challenges in a Changing Earth Sciences Operating Environment 3 Assessing Progress Toward the Decadal Survey Vision 4 Opportunities to Improve Alignment with Decadal Survey Priorities 5 Looking Ahead: Preparing for the Next Decadal Review References Appendixes Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Community Request for Information Appendix C: Recommendations from Thriving on Our Changing Planet: A Decadal Strategy for Earth Observation from Space Appendix D: Committee and Staff Biographical Information Appendix E: Acronyms and Abbreviations