Earth Observations for Policy
RFF researchers are using Earth observation data from satellites and other sources to help inform policies and design strategies that can mitigate environmental risks related to climate change.
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Journal Article — Jul 18, 2025
An Economic Impact Assessment of the Use of Earth Observation Information in Flood Hazard Communication
This article quantifies the economic value of improved seasonal flood forecasts, demonstrating enhanced early flood mitigation decision-making.
Journal Article — Jun 26, 2025
Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
This article estimates the economic value of satellite data for conserving blue whales at $11–$636 million per year.
Resources Radio — Feb 4, 2025
Governing the Satellites that Orbit Earth, with Akhil Rao
Akhil Rao discusses the accumulation of satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit and the governance of layers in the Earth’s orbit.
Journal Article — Mar 13, 2024
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
This article, supported by the VALUABLES Consortium, estimates how access to monthly cholera risk predictions informs beliefs and behaviors related to cholera and its aversion in rural Bangladesh.
Journal Article — Jul 18, 2025
An Economic Impact Assessment of the Use of Earth Observation Information in Flood Hazard Communication
This article quantifies the economic value of improved seasonal flood forecasts, demonstrating enhanced early flood mitigation decision-making.
Journal Article — Jun 26, 2025
Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
This article estimates the economic value of satellite data for conserving blue whales at $11–$636 million per year.
Journal Article — Mar 13, 2024
Early Warning Systems, Mobile Technology, and Cholera Aversion: Evidence from Rural Bangladesh
This article, supported by the VALUABLES Consortium, estimates how access to monthly cholera risk predictions informs beliefs and behaviors related to cholera and its aversion in rural Bangladesh.
Working Paper — Apr 11, 2023
Opportunities for Increasing the Impact of NASA’s Earth Observations along Environmental Justice Dimensions
This working paper outlines ways that NASA can use its data products to promote environmental justice and overcome the barriers faced in the use of satellite data to influence decisionmaking.
Conference — Dec 5, 2022
VALUABLES Consortium Capstone Celebration
A special event celebrating the VALUABLES community, spotlighting consortium results, and looking ahead to the future of socioeconomic assessment for Earth observations
Webinar — Nov 14, 2022
Using Satellite Data and Scientific Information to Advance Environmental Justice: What Does Success Look Like?
Using Satellite Data and Scientific Information to Advance Environmental Justice: What Does Success Look Like?
Webinar — Oct 31, 2022
How Can Scientists Work with Decisionmakers to Understand How Satellite Data Really Influences Decisions?
A VALUABLES webinar examining how scientists and decisionmakers can improve their engagement to inform decisions and increase the value of satellite information
Workshop — Dec 17, 2021
VALUABLES Community of Practice Meeting
A presentation of research projects quantifying the benefits of using satellite data in socioeconomic decisionmaking.
Resources Radio — Feb 4, 2025
Governing the Satellites that Orbit Earth, with Akhil Rao
Akhil Rao discusses the accumulation of satellites and debris in Earth’s orbit and the governance of layers in the Earth’s orbit.
On the Issues — Jul 21, 2023
On the Issues: Clean Hydrogen, Carbon Markets, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: clean hydrogen, carbon markets, and more.
Resources Magazine Articles — May 18, 2023
Windows on the World: The Value of Satellite Information for Decisionmaking
The VALUABLES Consortium, a six-year collaboration between RFF and NASA that ended last year, demonstrates the benefits of satellite data for decisionmaking processes.
On the Issues — Apr 22, 2022
On the Issues: Combining Climate Goals, Future Resources, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: combining climate goals, future resources, and more.
Media Highlight — Jan 18, 2022
When Air Pollution is Overlooked, People Get Hurt—Typically People of Color
When Air Pollution is Overlooked, People Get Hurt—Typically People of Color
Media Highlight — Jan 7, 2022
Monitoring Whales and Ships with Satellites Could Save Millions
A story from NASA details the findings of a VALUABLES paper that analyzes the effectiveness of a tool created to protect blue whales and ships.
Media Highlight — Jul 12, 2021
CholeraMap: Using NASA Satellite Data to Help Warn People When Their Water is Unsafe
CholeraMap: Using NASA Satellite Data to Help Warn People When Their Water is Unsafe
Press Release — Jun 24, 2020
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
