Geo4Environment

According to Global Financial Integrity’s 2017 report, 4 out of the 11 most financially-rewarding transnational criminal activities are linked to environmental crime. They include illegal logging, illegal mining, illegal fishing and illegal wildlife trade. These illicit environmental activities are currently estimated to be worth $258 billion annually and growing at an annual rate of about 5% to 7%.

High-tech invention and highly collaborative coordination is required in order to strengthen environmental security worldwide. Geospatial technologies such as Earth observation satellites, aerial drones, thermal imaging cameras, and GPS tags are essential monitoring tools across land and sea. The data collected can be shared via secure information networks that allow local, national, and international law enforcement teams to analyze, communicate, and generate leads against the environmental criminals.

The discussion will focus on the need for greater cross-boundary cooperation and collaboration on geospatial information for environmental security, including optimizing resources, evolving mechanisms for data sharing and geospatial technology transfer towards trans-boundary efficiencies.

In addition to loss of life, property damage, loss of livelihoods, and social and economic disruption; disasters may also cause significant environmental damage. For instance, the East Japan Great Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011 generated 24 million tons of solid waste, which is equivalent to approximately 100 years’ worth. Loss of ecosystems and fertile soil, contamination of water sources and damage to coastal mangroves can also leave the population vulnerable in the longer-term. It is critical that further environmental degradation is avoided in the reconstruction phase.

Mitigation of environmental impact must be considered as an integral part of the reconstruction design process. Geospatial technologies, including GIS, Earth observation, laser scanning, mobile mapping system, and others, can offer accurate and immediate post-disaster damage assessment that is essential in construction planning. Applying geospatial technology in recovery and reconstruction plan will be the key to enhance local environmental management practices and support informed decision-making.

Climate change is now recognized as one of the most dangerous menaces of the twenty-first century. Greenhouse gas emissions, rising sea levels, hole in the ozone layer, polar ice sheets melting, and increasing natural disasters are posing grave threats to sustainable development globally. Avoiding the highly dangerous climate change will require sustained efforts and profound changes in the world’s energy systems, land-use patterns, and socio-economic development trajectories.

Geospatial technology is absolutely essential to analyze and effectively plan for the adaptation to climate change. The climate community needs geospatial information in order to assess climate impacts, evaluate the risk that climate change is presenting, and more. The key is making geospatial data available, and most importantly accessible to the parties involved. How do we encourage industry players to contribute to a cause with less commercial value as climate adaptation? Stakeholders will deliberate.