Environmental dumping, a major problem in Italy, often is tied to organized crime. An unmanned aerial vehicle is being tested to catch polluters in the act and track pollution back to its source.
Warming Hole Keeps Region Cooler
In the U.S. central and eastern regions, a giant warming hole has created cooler areas that haven't kept pace with the warming of other parts of the world during much of the last century.
Black Sea Is Blooming
Scientists are working to stem the flow of nutrients into the Black Sea and restore water quality, which can suffer due to an overabundance of phytoplankton.
It's Official: Envisat Mission Over
After a month of attempting to regain control of Envisat, the European Space Agency has declared an end to the satellite's mission, culminating 10 years of spectacular scientific discovery.
Spain's Wheat Crop Threatened
Already struggling with sovereign debt issues and high unemployment, drought conditions could force Spain to import more than 11 million metric tons of grain.
China Launches Optical Science Satellite
On May 10, 2012, China launched a new optical Earth observation satellite it says will be used for science applications, but western analysts say it's designed for military purposes.
Israel Unveils Butterfly-Shaped Observation Drone
Israel Aerospace Industries is developing a new unmanned aerial system shaped like a tiny butterfly designed to gather information from remote locations.
Satellite Heavyweights in Buyout Battle
Facing federal budget cuts likely to impact government deals that provide most of their annual revenues, DigitalGlobe and GeoEye each have rejected unsolicited offers to buy one another.
NRC Report: U.S. Earth Observation in Trouble
A new National Research Council report says U.S. Earth observation is beginning a rapid decline in capability as long-running missions end and key new missions are delayed, lost or cancelled.
ESA’s Sentinel Satellites Will Fill Data Gaps
At a recent symposium in Italy, the European Space Agency demonstrated how its upcoming Sentinel-2 satellites will benefit current and future projects that exploit Earth observation data.
