Earth Observations and Space
Outer space is a unique natural resource that is often ignored. As more opportunities to utilize this resource emerge, work at RFF helps policymakers who will need to design comprehensive guidelines that clarify near-Earth ownership, responsibilities, and pollution protocols to help regulate the use and development of space.
VALUABLES Consortium
Learn about our work with NASA to quantify the benefits of Earth observations.
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Saving Lives with Satellites
A recent journal article assesses the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety.
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Working Paper — Apr 26, 2021
Earth Observations Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
We conduct an analysis to estimate the value of information (VOI) of Earth observations for prospective regulation of marine shipping to conserve Eastern North Pacific blue whales in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.
On the Issues — Mar 26, 2021
Oil and Gas Companies Lobby Biden Administration, Environmental Justice Bill in Senate, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.
Resources Radio — Mar 23, 2021
Space, Satellites, and Society: New Tools for Policymakers, with Danielle Wood
Danielle Wood describes how novel space technologies can protect fragile ecosystems and empower historically underserved communities.
Working Paper — Apr 26, 2021
Earth Observations Can Enable Cost-Effective Conservation of Eastern North Pacific Blue Whales: A Value of Information Analysis
We conduct an analysis to estimate the value of information (VOI) of Earth observations for prospective regulation of marine shipping to conserve Eastern North Pacific blue whales in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States.
Journal Article — Oct 22, 2020
Monetising the Savings of Remotely Sensed Data and Information in Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Wildfire Assessment
A journal article published in the International Journal of Wildland Fire assesses the cost-effectiveness of using satellite imagery to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety.
Journal Article — Jun 18, 2020
Quantifying the Human Health Benefits of Using Satellite Information to Detect Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Manage Recreational Advisories in US Lakes
This article presents an impact framework to estimate the socioeconomic benefits of satellite remote sensing for detecting cyanoHABs and managing recreational advisories at freshwater lakes.
Workshop/Seminar — Oct 30, 2019
2019 VALUABLES Consortium Annual Workshop
The VALUABLES Consortium's workshop is an annual gathering of economists, NASA experts, Earth scientists, decisionmakers, and thought leaders.
RFF Live — Oct 30, 2019
Taking the Pulse of a Changing Planet
Watch experts discuss past, present, and future opportunities in applications of satellite data.
Webinar — Oct 16, 2019
VALUABLES Consortium Grants for Assessing the Benefits of Satellites: Applicant Webinar
Learn more about the VALUABLES Consortium's GABS funding opportunity.
Press Release — Jun 24, 2020
Early Detection of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Satellites Improves Management Decisions and Human Health Outcomes
As Americans head to the shores and lakefronts this summer, a new analysis reveals just how valuable satellites-based detection of harmful algal blooms can be in protecting visitors and residents alike.
Press Release — Jun 16, 2020
New Episode of Resources Radio: “Space: The Next Great Market Opportunity, with Michael Toman”
Michael Toman discusses how collaborations between the public and private sectors can safely expand space travel and open up new markets.
Press Release — Jun 11, 2020
RFF Awards $300,000 to Researchers to Quantify the Economic and Societal Benefits of Satellites
RFF and NASA Fund Three Projects to Assess the Benefits of Satellites
On the Issues — Mar 26, 2021
Oil and Gas Companies Lobby Biden Administration, Environmental Justice Bill in Senate, and More
A weekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars.
Resources Radio — Mar 23, 2021
Space, Satellites, and Society: New Tools for Policymakers, with Danielle Wood
Danielle Wood describes how novel space technologies can protect fragile ecosystems and empower historically underserved communities.
Common Resources — Feb 9, 2021
Estimating the Value of NOAA’s Digital Coast
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) maintains a website, the “Digital Coast,” that hosts a variety of useful tools for coastal management. New RFF research estimates the economic value of uses of the site and finds sizable benefits.