With scientific information from the Earth Observing System, both naturally occurring and human-induced global climate changes will be studied. Both must be understood to determine how to alter human behavior appropriately to avoid, mitigate, or adapt to human-induced climate changes that prove most detrimental to the environment. Also, the regional consequences of global climate change (such as changes in precipitation patterns, length of growing seasons, etc.) must be understood to determine which aspects of climate change are most harmful, and how to adapt to those changes that mankind cannot avoid.
In addition to a constellation of satellites, the EOS program will support a comprehensive data and information system, a community of scientists performing research, and extensive ground and airborne measurement campaigns. NASAΓÇÖs commitment to making Earth science data easily available is also a key component of the EOS program.
