Specto Natura</a> is part of a series to mark 20 years of the Group on Earth Observations. We are calling on the GEO community to contribute to this series. Choose from one of two themes:"}},{"id":"680284346ebac","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"20 years of data: How the world has changed. How has data helped us understand global change? Share key datasets, insights and visualisations.","items":[]},{"content":"Then and now. Thoughts and reflections on how Earth observations and GEO have evolved. Where did we begin, where are we now, what’s next?","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346ebae","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Blogs should be no more than 400 words, informal but professional, and avoid excessive jargon. Send your ideas, drafts and questions to mcrook.ext@geosec.org"}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-03-24T17:51:42.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-24T17:51:42.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":120,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":117,"title":"Global Heat Resilience Service continues to build momentum","slug":"global-heat-resilience-service-continues-build-momentum","image":"/storage/news/2025/AdobeStock_271904307.jpeg","published_at":"2025-03-20 19:32:41","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"680284346d3d2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As we move through 2025, the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://earthobservations.org/solutions/incubators/global-heat-resilience-service/">Global Heat Resilience Service</a> (GHRS) is making significant strides in the fight against extreme heat. From securing key partnerships to advancing our decision-support platform, we’re accelerating efforts to help cities worldwide protect their populations from rising temperatures."}},{"id":"680284346d3d4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Here’s what’s new with GHRS:"}},{"id":"680284346d3d5","type":"header","data":{"text":"A major milestone","level":2}},{"id":"680284346d3d8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"GHRS included in the GEO Work Programme"}},{"id":"680284346d3da","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"We’re excited to announce that GHRS has been formally accepted into the Post-2025 GEO Work Programme as a Pilot Initiative. This integration places GHRS within three critical focus areas:"}},{"id":"680284346d3df","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Climate, energy, and urbanisation – Addressing heat resilience in the context of growing cities.","items":[]},{"content":"One Health – Recognising the direct impact of extreme heat on human health.","items":[]},{"content":"Weather, hazard, and disaster resilience – Aligning with global efforts to strengthen preparedness.","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346d3e0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This milestone solidifies GHRS’s role in international collaboration, ensuring our work aligns with GEO’s strategic priorities."}},{"id":"680284346d3e1","type":"header","data":{"text":"Advancing our three core components","level":2}},{"id":"680284346d3e4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Component 1: Methodology development"}},{"id":"680284346d3e5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"(March 2025 - June 2027)"}},{"id":"680284346d3e9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"We've made substantial progress in developing scientific methodologies for urban-scale heat-risk assessment. Funded by the European Union, the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://earthobservations.org/news/iclimateaction-advancing-earth-intelligence-through-collaboration-and-innovation/">iClimateAction initiative</a> strengthens collaboration between the Global Climate Observing System, World Meteorological Organization and GEO to streamline how climate data is collected, managed and transformed into decision-ready insights."}},{"id":"680284346d3ea","type":"delimiter","data":[],"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346d3ec","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Component 2: Decision-support platform development"}},{"id":"680284346d3ed","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"(March 2025 - March 2027)"}},{"id":"680284346d3f1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"GEO has <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://earthobservations.org/news/ibm-c40-cities-and-group-earth-observations-collaborate-new-ai-project-resilient-cities/">formalised a partnership</a> with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to collaboratively develop the Global Heat Resilience Service (GHRS). This partnership is accelerating the development of a digital decision-support platform for extreme heat through a recent IBM Sustainability Accelerator Grant awarded to C40. GEO will provide technical expertise to this project, allowing us to test key GHRS concepts."}},{"id":"680284346d3f2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This collaboration is backed by up to $3 million in resources, including direct funding, access to advanced technology, and expert consulting services. The development of the GHRS decision-support platform follows IBM’s proven Garage methodology for digital transformation. The implementation will roll out in two key phases:"}},{"id":"680284346d3f7","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"MVP Development (March 2025 – March 2026): The first phase focuses on designing, creating, and testing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).","items":[]},{"content":"Scale-Up Phase (March 2026 – March 2027): Based on pilot feedback and evaluation, this phase will expand the implementation to ensure broader impact.","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346d3fb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To ensure effectiveness, GHRS will be tested in pilot cities across multiple regions, including Brazil, India, Sierra Leone and Europe. The initiative has also received endorsement from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, reinforcing its alignment with global urban resilience efforts."}},{"id":"680284346d3fc","type":"delimiter","data":[],"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346d3fe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Component 3: Heat governance and policy"}},{"id":"680284346d3ff","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"(Building evidence for improved urban heat management.)"}},{"id":"680284346d404","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"While GHRS is actively seeking dedicated funding for its heat governance and policy component, several key collaborations are already underway. GHRS is contributing to <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.undrr.org/publication/urban-heat-risk-management-resource-package#:~:text=The%20package%20offers%20clear%2C%20practical,heat%20risk%20assessment%20and%20mapping.\">WMO-UNDRR’s Heat Solutions Package</a>, helping to develop a common framework for UN agencies responding to extreme heat challenges. This ensures that GHRS aligns with broader international governance approaches."}},{"id":"680284346d405","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In parallel, the team is exploring alignment with existing city climate action planning frameworks to ensure seamless integration. Efforts are also focused on developing comprehensive business cases to attract potential funding partners. Additionally, GHRS is engaging with city networks to better understand governance needs and inform future policy solutions."}},{"id":"680284346d406","type":"header","data":{"text":"Looking ahead","level":2}},{"id":"680284346d408","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The IBM Sustainability Accelerator partnership represents a transformative step forward in creating an AI-powered solution to help cities analyze heat risks and develop effective adaptation strategies. As temperatures rise and cities grow, this solution will become increasingly essential for protecting vulnerable populations and urban economies."}},{"id":"680284346d409","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the coming months, our focus will be on:"}},{"id":"680284346d40f","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","items":[{"content":"Launching the implementation of Components 1 and 2","items":[]},{"content":"Securing additional partnerships for Component 3","items":[]},{"content":"Expanding our network of pilot cities","items":[]},{"content":"Developing communication materials to raise awareness of heat risks","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"680284346d410","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"GHRS will continue its mission to provide actionable intelligence that helps cities address the estimated 500,000 excess deaths per year caused by extreme heat, with particular focus on vulnerable urban communities."}},{"id":"680284346d415","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Catch us next at the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://earthobservations.org/events/geo-global-forum-2025/">GEO Global Forum</a> in Rome in May and then the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://globalplatform.undrr.org//">UNDRR Global Platform</a> in Geneva in June. Additional outreach opportunities being explored at New York Climate Week and the C40 Mayor's Summit in Rio."}},{"id":"680284346d416","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For more information or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Martyn Clark at mclark@geosec.org."}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-03-20T20:34:14.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-21T09:36:09.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":117,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":116,"title":"How Earth Intelligence can help improve air quality and respiratory health","slug":"how-earth-intelligence-can-help-improve-air-quality-and-respiratory-health","image":"/storage/news/2025/AdobeStock_130645635.jpeg","published_at":"2025-03-17 22:25:35","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"680284346ca7c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Air pollution is one of the biggest threats to public health, contributing to millions of deaths each year. But traditional air quality monitoring currently leaves gaps in our understanding and response. This is where Earth Intelligence – the use of satellite observations, remote sensing and environmental data – can help."}},{"id":"680284346ca84","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.geohealthcop.org//">GEO Health Community of Practice</a>’s <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.geohealthcop.org/workgroup/airquality/">Air Quality, Wildfires, and Respiratory Health Work Group</a> leverages Earth Intelligence to bridge these gaps, offering new ways to monitor pollution, predict risks and protect both human and environmental health."}},{"id":"680284346ca85","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In this post, we highlight five key ways the group is using Earth Intelligence to help improve air quality and respiratory health."}},{"id":"680284346ca86","type":"header","data":{"text":"The One Health approach","level":2}},{"id":"680284346ca8b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Air quality issues intersect human, animal and environmental health, making the One Health collaborative, multidisciplinary approach essential. Poor air quality <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.stateofglobalair.org/resources/report/state-global-air-report-2024/">contributes to one in nine deaths globally</a>, and poor environmental health can exacerbate wildfires and dust storms."}},{"id":"680284346ca8c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"By advancing best practices for harnessing Earth Intelligence to monitor and manage pollutants, the Work Group supports health risk prediction and capacity building among stakeholders."}},{"id":"680284346ca8d","type":"header","data":{"text":"Using satellite data to fill gaps in understanding","level":2}},{"id":"680284346ca91","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"<a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://openaq.medium.com/73-of-national-governments-fail-to-provide-fully-transparent-air-pollution-data-d22ca76e62ca/">Ground-based air quality monitoring networks are sparse globally</a>, limiting our understanding of air pollution. Satellite Earth observation data can fill these gaps by providing regional and global air quality patterns and trends."}},{"id":"680284346ca92","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These data are also crucial for issuing early warnings about air pollution events including dust storms and wildfires, allowing vulnerable populations to take precautions. Finally, combining satellite Earth observation data with health data helps researchers understand the public health impacts of air pollution and informs effective regulations. The Work Group identifies, collects, and disseminates examples of best practices and new advances in using satellite Earth observations to fill ground-based air quality data gaps."}},{"id":"680284346ca93","type":"header","data":{"text":"Making data accessible","level":2}},{"id":"680284346ca97","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Despite the benefits, challenges including data access, interpretation, and validation as well as capacity can limit use of Earth observation data for air quality management. Efforts like the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://appliedsciences.nasa.gov/what-we-do/capacity-building/arset/">NASA Applied Remote Sensing Training Program</a> address these gaps by providing free online lessons."}},{"id":"680284346ca9a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Work Group promotes an inclusive international community of practice to build trust and lower barriers while disseminating the latest capabilities and surveying future opportunities and needs. This includes contributing to tools like the HAQAST <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://haqast.org/data-and-tools//">resources flowchart</a>."}},{"id":"680284346ca9b","type":"header","data":{"text":"Promoting solutions","level":2}},{"id":"680284346ca9c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Work Group promotes successful Earth observation data applications, highlighting innovative uses of Earth observations at the intersection of One Health and air quality."}},{"id":"680284346caa0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The group also develops region-specific resource guides and training workshops, such as the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"http://www.geohealthcop.org/workshops/2024/8/28/amerigeo2024/">Satellite-Derived Air Quality Information workshop</a> for the Americas. These initiatives build local capacity and inspire collaboration between data providers and users."}},{"id":"680284346caa1","type":"header","data":{"text":"Building a future together","level":2}},{"id":"680284346caa2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The Work Group serves as a forum for international engagement, supporting holistic assessments of air quality and One Health. A key initiative is a survey of global data gaps and recommendations for new Earth observation missions and data products."}},{"id":"680284346caa9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To learn more about the innovative work being done by the GEO Health Community of Practice’s Air Quality, Wildfires, and Respiratory Health Work Group, be sure to read the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57d4a81b20099e97b489a499/t/67cb7c84942b9c333008e770/1741388932267/CoP_WhitePaper_AirQuality_Mar2025+FINAL.pdf/">full white paper</a>. To get involved, <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.geohealthcop.org/join-community/">reach out here</a>."}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-03-17T23:34:28.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-03-17T23:34:28.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":116,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":110,"title":"IBM, C40 Cities and Group on Earth Observations collaborate on new AI project for resilient cities","slug":"ibm-c40-cities-and-group-earth-observations-collaborate-new-ai-project-resilient-cities","image":"/storage/news/2025/SUSTAINABLE _Accelerator_HEADER_1600x9002.png","published_at":"2025-02-11 14:33:47","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"6802843469e91","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"IBM (NYSE: IBM), <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.c40.org//">C40 Cities</a> and the Group on Earth Observations today announced a new collaboration through the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.ibm.com/impact/initiatives/ibm-sustainability-accelerator/">IBM Sustainability Accelerator</a> aimed at scaling up social innovation action in cities around the world. In alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, the new project will develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to advance city resiliency and address specific challenges facing urban communities."}},{"id":"6802843469e93","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"At the beginning of 2024, IBM held a request for proposals (RFP) for nonprofit and government organizations, focused on technology-driven projects to advance city resiliency. Out of more than 100 applicants, C40 Cities was one of five organizations selected to participate in this new cohort of IBM Sustainability Accelerator projects."}},{"id":"6802843469e94","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Participants were selected for their significant level of support to the communities they serve, as well as the innovative ways each organization plans to leverage AI technology to build more resilient cities. Each organization will receive up to $3 million in cash and in-kind donations of technology and services."}},{"id":"6802843469e97","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With support from the Group on Earth Observations , IBM and C40 Cities, a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities, will work together to create a data-driven, AI-powered solution to help cities analyze potential risks that may arise as a result of extreme heat and the urban heat island effect. These can include stressed energy resources, increases in mortality rates, and socioeconomic disparities. The new solution will aim to enable cities to create adaptation strategies to help alleviate population health risks and economic burdens, while strengthening national resilience efforts. <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org//">The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy</a> will also support this project."}},{"id":"6802843469e9b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“As cities grow and temperatures continue to rise around the world, so do the challenges of extreme heat and its impact on urban populations. At the Group on Earth Observations, we are committed to turning Earth Intelligence into action by equipping communities with the data they need to build resilience. Through our collaboration with C40 and IBM as part of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator, we will test initial ideas from GEO’s <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://earthobservations.org/solutions/incubators/global-heat-resilience-service/">Global Heat Resilience Service</a> to demonstrate how AI-powered insights and geospatial data can help cities mitigate heat risks and protect vulnerable communities. This is a critical step towards creating cooler, safer and more liveable cities for all,” said Yana Gevorgyan, Group on Earth Observations Secretariat Director."}},{"id":"6802843469e9c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The IBM Sustainability Accelerator is a social innovation program that applies IBM technologies, such as hybrid cloud and AI, and an ecosystem of experts to enhance and scale nonprofit and government organization initiatives, accelerating economic impact for communities vulnerable to climate stress ."}},{"id":"6802843469e9d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"“AI has the potential to unlock a new economic and innovation era for communities worldwide, helping people tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. We believe that much of this potential to improve people’s lives resides in transforming cities, and this is what we are aiming to do with our AI technology and expertise,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Vice President and Chief Impact Officer."}},{"id":"6802843469e9e","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"IBM, C40 Cities and the Group on Earth Observations will collaborate over two years and in two phases. The first phase will begin with the IBM Garage, IBM’s proven methodology for accelerating digital transformation and delivering meaningful, measurable, outcomes. Next, during the Development and Implementation phase, IBM experts will configure IBM resources and technology to help participants meet their goals, as well as support pilot deployments in communities and facilitate further scaling."}},{"id":"6802843469e9f","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"As part of this IBM Sustainability Accelerator cohort, EY teams will provide general capacity building workshops and coaching to the resilient city cohort, supporting these innovative organizations on their mission to make cities more sustainable, equitable, and resilient."}},{"id":"6802843469ea0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To date, 20 organizations have been part of the IBM Sustainability Accelerator supporting vulnerable populations around the world. As of last year, IBM has supported approximately 65,300 direct beneficiaries through our sustainable agriculture cohort, with approximately 1.1 million more projected to benefit from our clean energy cohort. And, we expect these resilient cities projects will benefit thousands of citizens across the world."}},{"id":"6802843469ea2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"About the IBM Sustainability Accelerator"}},{"id":"6802843469ea6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Launched in 2022, the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.ibm.com/impact/initiatives/ibm-sustainability-accelerator/">IBM Sustainability Accelerator</a> is a social innovation program that supports communities facing environmental and economic stress around the world, through technologies like AI and an ecosystem of experts. Each year, the program selects five new projects to develop and scale technology and AI solutions addressing topics like sustainable agriculture, clean energy, water management, resilient cities or sustainable consumption and production."}},{"id":"6802843469ea7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For more information and media enquiries, contact: mcrook.ext@geosec.org"}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-02-11T15:39:18.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-02-12T19:50:10.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":110,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":109,"title":"Using Earth Intelligence to boost vaccination efforts in Zambia","slug":"using-earth-intelligence-boost-vaccination-efforts-zambia","image":"/storage/news/2025/Akros Zambia blog.jpg","published_at":"2025-02-05 18:00:50","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"680284346993c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Vaccination campaigns save lives, but reaching every child – especially in remote and underserved communities – remains a logistical challenge. In Zambia, health workers rely on hand-drawn maps to plan immunization efforts, making it easy for <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://akros.shorthandstories.com/using-geospatial-data-to-reach-missed-communities-and-zero-dose-children-with-life-saving-vaccines/index.html/">entire communities</a> to be missed. Now, Earth Intelligence is transforming vaccine planning by providing precise, up-to-date geographic data to ensure every child receives life-saving immunizations."}},{"id":"6802843469944","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Zambia has made <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.exemplars.health/topics/vaccine-delivery/zambia/why-is-zambia-an-exemplar/">significant progress</a> in protecting its citizens from vaccine-preventable diseases in the past decade, using government investment, community engagement and international partnerships to increase vaccine coverage from <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.gavi.org/sites/default/files/evaluations/Decentralised/Policy-Brief_Challenge-of-protecting-immunization-financing-under-fiscal-austerity_2020.pdf/">64% in 2013 to 90% in 2018</a>, with the aim to reach 95% vaccination coverage in the next five years."}},{"id":"6802843469949","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But barriers in equity and wealth still prevent immunizations for rural, migratory and indigenous settlements. An estimated <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.unicef.org/zambia/press-releases/unicef-highlights-decline-vaccination-coverage-leaves-children-unprotected-against/">324,619 children in Zambia were zero-dose in 2022, meaning they never received routine vaccinations."}},{"id":"680284346994a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There is an urgent need to vaccinate zero-dose children born during COVID-19, who are now surpassing the normal age of vaccination, to prevent disease outbreaks."}},{"id":"680284346994d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"From the GEO community, Zambia’s Expanded Programme on Immunizations (EPI) is deploying Earth observation resources to support vaccine planning at health facilities nationwide through technical assistance from <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.akros.com//">Akros under a GAVI innovation top up grant and in partnership with the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)."}},{"id":"680284346994e","type":"header","data":{"text":"Mapping local vaccine campaigns","level":2}},{"id":"6802843469952","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Zambia uses a bottom-up approach for vaccine planning: local <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.exemplars.health/topics/vaccine-delivery/zambia/how-did-zambia-implement/">health facilities work with community leaders</a> and representatives to draft microplans, which are then incorporated into district and provincial vaccine planning."}},{"id":"6802843469953","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"To create and implement these plans, local facilities rely on hand-drawn maps to determine the time and resources needed for vaccinations and identify specific populations that will be difficult to reach."}},{"id":"6802843469954","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These maps, while helpful, miss critical details, which can prevent entire communities from receiving life-saving vaccines."}},{"id":"6802843469955","type":"header","data":{"text":"The power of Earth Intelligence","level":2}},{"id":"6802843469957","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Akros is creating digital and large-scale paper maps for district and local health facilities, who can use them to demonstrate population distribution, track travel routes and create vaccine microplans tailored to specific zones in their community."}},{"id":"6802843469958","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"This strategy will provide critical information on vaccine progress to EPI in real time, eliminating delays caused by paper-based mapping and microplanning."}},{"id":"680284346995b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Akros is also partnering with <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://www.worldpop.org//">WorldPop to create an updated settlement layer in GIS, which will be used to locate and develop vaccination plans for Zambia’s zero-dose children."}},{"id":"680284346995c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In December 2024, Zambia’s EPI began distributing the maps to all 2,790 health facilities in the country. Digital microplanning tools are now being rolled out in 23 districts, and a digital dashboard and map are accessible online for staff to use in their planning. The project will also serve as a resource for other national health programmes by providing access to GIS data on zero-dose children in Zambia."}},{"id":"680284346995d","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With these tools, Zambia’s health facilities will be able to clearly define the geographical extent and population distribution of the area they need to vaccinate. This helps minimise duplicated efforts and ensures no residents are missed, helping reduce preventable disease and infant death in the country’s most vulnerable communities."}},{"id":"6802843469961","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"By Bwalya Mukuka, Derek Pollard and Anna Winters. A version of this blog originally appeared on the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://akros.shorthandstories.com/using-geospatial-data-to-reach-missed-communities-and-zero-dose-children-with-life-saving-vaccines/index.html/">Akros website</a>."}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-02-05T19:04:17.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-02-05T21:11:17.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":109,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":106,"title":"GEO Secretariat Director Yana Gevorgyan champions Earth Intelligence in Davos","slug":"geo-secretariat-director-yana-gevorgyan-champions-earth-intelligence-davos","image":"/storage/news/2025/wef-slides-original.jpg","published_at":"2025-01-22 17:06:12","content":{"time":1745238616432,"blocks":[{"id":"6802843468a2b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"On Wednesday 22 January at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, GEO Secretariat Director Yana Gevorgyan presented Seeing Earth, Deeply, in which she explored how Earth observations reveal interconnected challenges facing the planet and empower solutions to safeguard our future."},"tunes":{"textVariant":null,"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"6802843468a41","type":"embed","data":{"service":"youtube","source":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/5kWvT2ZDZ_I?si=CwuLBPPckfsS1G_z","embed":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/5kWvT2ZDZ_I?si=CwuLBPPckfsS1G_z","width":580,"height":320,"caption":null}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-01-22T18:06:15.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-04-21T12:30:25.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":106,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":105,"title":"Reflecting on COP29: Paving the way for Earth Intelligence and COP30","slug":"reflecting-cop29-paving-way-earth-intelligence-and-cop30","image":"/storage/news/2025/cop29 policy brief.jpg","published_at":"2025-01-20 13:26:08","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"68028434685f6","type":"header","data":{"text":"At a glance: What you need to know","level":2}},{"id":"6802843468605","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Climate finance commitment: COP29 saw agreement to triple climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035, falling short of the $1.3 trillion that developing nations have been asking for to effectively adapt to and mitigate climate change.","items":[]},{"content":"Systematic observations for EW4All: Since its launch in 2022, the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative to achieve universal coverage of early warning systems by 2027 has become the central effort in climate adaptation. Systematic observation is key for EW4All, according to the Paris Agreement and recent COP decisions.","items":[]},{"content":"GEO at COP29: At COP29’s Earth Information Day (EID), GEO presented the TEC-GEO policy brief, showcasing EO-based solutions for EW4All. GEO Members contributed to the EID discussion, featuring technological innovation for Earth observations.","items":[]},{"content":"“GEO language” in negotiated text: Research and Systematic Observation (RSO) conclusions reflected the core message of the TEC-GEO policy brief and GEO’s inputs at EID. Reinforcing the need for open data-sharing and fit-for-purpose EO technologies, RSO conclusions validated GEO’s work as well as future direction set by the Post-2025 Strategy to advance Earth Intelligence for All.","items":[]},{"content":"GEO coordination for COP30: RSO conclusions in 2004 noted GEO’s previous implementation plan, setting a precedent for endorsement of GEO’s Post-2025 Strategic Implantation Plan (SIP) at COP30 this year. Coordination within GEO will increase the likelihood of SIP endorsement in Belém.","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"6802843468606","type":"header","data":{"text":"Earth Intelligence for Early Warnings for All","level":2}},{"id":"6802843468608","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UNFCCC, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, showcased the Group on Earth Observations (GEO)’s ongoing efforts to advance innovation and technology."}},{"id":"6802843468611","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"From launching a <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/ttclear/tec/early_warning_systems.html/">joint policy brief</a> with the UNFCCC <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/ttclear/tec/">Technology Executive Committee (TEC)</a> to informing key discussions during <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/topics/science/events-meetings/earth-information-day/">Earth Information Day (EID)</a>, GEO’s leadership in advancing Earth Intelligence for climate resilience was prominently featured during the conference."}},{"id":"6802843468615","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"These efforts, including the GEO members’ use of AI with EO and contributions to the EW4All initiative, were well reflected in the conference’s <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/topics/science/workstreams/RSO/">Research and Systematic Observation (RSO)</a> conclusions."}},{"id":"6802843468618","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Dubbed the “Finance COP”, COP29’s key outcome was a commitment to triple climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035 – far short of the $1.3 trillion requested by developing nations, especially those who suffer from climate-related disasters. Polarised negotiations, overshadowed by the US presidential election, left critical issues unresolved, including how to act on the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/topics/global-stocktake/">global stocktake results</a>, now deferred to COP30 in Belém, Brazil."}},{"id":"680284346861b","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Despite these challenges, GEO’s activities demonstrated progress in critical areas. A milestone was the launch of the TEC-GEO <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/ttclear/tec/early_warning_systems.html/">policy brief</a>, Realising Early Warnings for All: Innovation and Technology in Support of Risk-Informed Climate Resilience Policy and Action."}},{"id":"680284346861c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The brief highlighted Earth observation-based innovations essential for advancing the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, with an ambitious goal to ensure global early warning coverage by 2027."}},{"id":"6802843468620","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Since its launch in 2022, EW4All has become the central effort of climate adaptation under the Paris Agreement. Recent COP decisions positioned the EW4All – supported by systematic observation – to be a priority, included in the outcome of the first global stocktake and the <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unfccc.int/topics/adaptation-and-resilience/workstreams/gga/">global goal on adaptation</a>."}},{"id":"6802843468622","type":"image","data":{"url":"/storage/news/2025/cop29.jpg","caption":null,"vertical":false,"stretched":false,"small":false}},{"id":"6802843468623","type":"header","data":{"text":"Endorsement to GEO’s work: from Baku to Belem","level":2}},{"id":"6802843468625","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"RSO negotiations incorporated GEO’s inputs extensively. The conclusions emphasized the vital role of EO systems, digital transformation and open data-sharing in closing technology gaps and supporting vulnerable populations."}},{"id":"6802843468626","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"GEO’s leadership was specifically noted in the policy brief, which underscored the need for fit-for-purpose solutions to enhance risk-informed climate resilience. The RSO conclusions essentially echoed GEO’s post 2025 strategy to promote co-creation of ‘Earth Intelligence’ to address gaps in technology development and deployment."}},{"id":"6802843468627","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Looking ahead, GEO’s Post-2025 Strategy Implementation Plan (SIP), set for adoption in May, will shape its contributions to COP30. With Brazil emphasizing nature-based solutions, GEO initiatives like the Global Ecosystem Atlas are poised to make a key contribution to loss and damage assessments."}},{"id":"6802843468628","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Just as in 2004, GEO members will once again come together in RSO negotiation in Belem to highlight GEO’s new SIP. Strategic coordination will ensure that the GEO community efficiently and effectively delivers transformative Earth Intelligence solutions to tackle the world’s pressing climate challenges."}},{"id":"680284346862c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Download Rui Kotani’s full report from COP29 <a href=https://earthobservations.org/"/storage/documents/Events/COP29/GEO at COP29.pdf/">here."}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-01-20T14:28:45.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-01-20T14:29:29.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App//Models//Post","taggable_id":105,"tag_id":3}}]},{"id":103,"title":"UNCCD COP16: advancing land restoration and drought resilience","slug":"unccd-cop16-saudi-arabia-joins-geo-boosting-global-efforts-land-restoration","image":"/storage/news/2025/GeG5ZvsWsAEzLlX.jpeg","published_at":"2025-01-13 12:43:21","content":{"time":1744995380000,"blocks":[{"id":"6802843467ac7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"UNCCD COP16 marked a pivotal moment for advancing the global agenda on land degradation and biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for multisectoral investments and innovations to combat land degradation."}},{"id":"6802843467ac9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"With mounting urgency around planetary crises, GEO hosted two key events in Riyadh:"}},{"id":"6802843467ad0","type":"list","data":{"style":"ordered","items":[{"content":"<a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16twiiqy5/">High-level Interactive Dialogue: Healing our land through Science and Earth Intelligence</a>","items":[]},{"content":"Side event: Restoring landscapes: A Global Atlas for Ecosystem Resilience and Land Degradation Solutions","items":[]}]},"tunes":{"documentationLink":[]}},{"id":"6802843467ad3","type":"image","data":{"url":"/storage/news/2025/469983499_997383615765446_8684300305369633434_n.jpg","caption":null,"vertical":false,"stretched":false,"small":false}},{"id":"6802843467ad9","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Announced at COP16 was a partnership between GEO’s Land Degradation Neutrality Initiative (<a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://geo-ldn.org//">GEO-LDN) and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (<a href=https://earthobservations.org/"https://unu.edu/ehs/">UNU-EHS) to host the 2025 Global Dialogue Forum for Pacific SIDS, fostering peer exchange and support for achieving land degradation neutrality targets."}},{"id":"6802843467ada","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Additionally, Nichole Barger, Deputy Chief Scientist and Lead Global Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, and Co-chair of the Science-Policy Interface (SPI) – the scientific body of the UNCCD – urged the formation of a Global Science-Policy Alliance on Land to bridge gaps between intergovernmental science-policy bodies and enhance collaboration across the Rio Conventions."}},{"id":"6802843467adb","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A further announcement at UNCCD COP16 saw Saudi Arabia join the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), marking a significant step forward in global collaboration to combat land degradation and desertification."}},{"id":"6802843467adc","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"\"We are pleased to join GEO, reinforcing our international collaboration and advancing shared priorities through an impactful partnership,\" said H.E. Eng. Dr. Mohammed bin Yahya Al Sayel, President, General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, during the High-Level Interactive Dialogue that marked the official Science, Technology and Innovation Day at COP16."}},{"id":"6802843467add","type":"header","data":{"text":"Progress and key outcomes: towards COP17","level":2}},{"id":"6802843467adf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"COP16 centred on the escalating global drought crisis, with African nations strongly advocating for a protocol to address it. However, no agreement was reached on a legally binding global mechanism, and the decision was deferred to COP17 in Mongolia in 2026."}},{"id":"6802843467ae0","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The conference reinforced the SPI’s dedication to tackling land degradation, welcoming outcomes from the High-Level Interactive Dialogue. A key decision tasked the Bureau of the Committee on Science and Technology, with support from the UNCCD Secretariat and the SPI, to explore forming a Global Science-Policy Alliance on Land."}},{"id":"6802843467ae1","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"A major milestone was the creation of an Indigenous Peoples Caucus to ensure representation of Indigenous knowledge and challenges within UNCCD processes, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity."}},{"id":"6802843467ae2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Financial pledges exceeded USD 12 billion, led by Saudi Arabia and others, supporting initiatives like the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership to aid 80 drought-vulnerable nations. Additionally, the AI-powered International Drought Resilience Observatory (IDRO) was launched, aiming to provide proactive insights by COP17."}},{"id":"6802843467ae3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Despite substantial progress in funding, inclusivity, and data-driven solutions, COP16 fell short of finalising a global drought agreement, leaving it a priority for COP17."}}],"version":"2.29.1"},"created_at":"2025-01-13T13:44:40.000000Z","updated_at":"2025-01-30T15:21:40.000000Z","is_hidden":false,"image_caption":null,"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","short_name":"Impact","slug":"impact","description":null,"sort_order":1,"created_at":null,"updated_at":"2025-04-04T10:24:48.000000Z","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":103,"tag_id":3}}]}],"first_page_url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=1","from":1,"last_page":2,"last_page_url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=2","links":[{"url":null,"label":"« Previous","active":false},{"url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=1","label":"1","active":true},{"url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=2","label":"2","active":false},{"url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=2","label":"Next »","active":false}],"next_page_url":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news?tag=Impact&page=2","path":"https://earthobservations.org/index.php/about-us/news","per_page":8,"prev_page_url":null,"to":8,"total":12},"filters":{"years":["2025","2024","2023","2022","2021","2020","2019"],"tags":[{"id":3,"name":"Impact","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":4,"tag_id":3}},{"id":2,"name":"Blog","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":130,"tag_id":2}},{"id":4,"name":"Youth","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":17,"tag_id":4}},{"id":1,"name":"News","pivot":{"taggable_type":"App\\Models\\Post","taggable_id":132,"tag_id":1}}]},"checked":{"year":null,"tag":"Impact"}},"url":"/index.php/about-us/news?page=1&tag=Impact","version":"d29a61d83d8f3885d71ed43c36a5789b","encryptHistory":false,"clearHistory":false}">