As the human world is embroiled in seemingly endless conflict, the global environment that supports our continued existence -- the Earth system -- apparently continues to deteriorate. To sustain the system, we must first understand it better. And understanding is promoted through observation.
The second Earth Observation Summit -- the first was held last year in Washington -- opens in Tokyo on Sunday. The aim is to map out a strategy for building a global observation network, including guidelines for an action plan to be carried out over 10 years beginning in 2004. The meeting will be attended by about 300 government delegates from 46 countries and regions and 25 international agencies.
Earth observation is essential for supporting human existence, yet its importance has been recognized internationally only recently. It was discussed at a U.N. conference on sustainable development in South Africa in 2002. The first summit was proposed at the 2003 Group of Eight meeting in France, at which the need for an action plan was confirmed. The plan, to be drawn up in Tokyo, will be finalized at the third summit, expected to be held next year in Europe.