Remembering 2021's Disasters
In the era of climate disasters, NASA turns to science, partnerships, and innovation to promote global disaster resilience.
Editor's Note: This feature was updated on Jan 13. 2022 to clarify NASA's role in supporting disaster response.
2021 was a restless year for disasters. In the United States, Hurricane Ida left over 1 million people without power, tornadoes uplifted homes as they tore through the Midwest, and wildfires raged across the American West. Globally, people had no choice but to leave their homes behind as 79 volcanic eruptions threatened to destroy entire communities. And let's not forget the series of catastrophic floods that devastated central Europe, demolishing historic cities and killing 242 people in their wake - and this is just scratching the surface of 2021's disasters.
Faced with a changing climate, a global pandemic, and a more densely-packed human population than ever, NASA's Earth Applied Sciences Disasters program area continued to work steadily toward reducing disaster risk in 2021. Keep reading to learn more about how the NASA Disasters program fosters global disaster resilience.
The Era of Climate Disasters
The Earth's climate hangs in a careful balance - one small tip of the scales is enough to disrupt the equilibrium. Today in the 21st century we have undeniably tipped the scales, leading us into the era of climate disasters.
But what are climate disasters? You're probably familiar with natural hazards - such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or volcanoes. When a natural hazard impacts a community, it becomes a disaster. This is why intentionally flooding a rice field to help the crop grow would not be a disaster, yet that same amount of water seeping into a nearby village and destroying homes would be considered a disaster. Some natural hazards, such as hurricanes and wildfires, typically follow historical patterns that allow us to predict and prepare for disasters. However, with greenhouse gases increasing the Earth's temperature (including methane which we can see in the visualization above), we're seeing natural hazards stray away from their usual patterns. For example, wildfire and drought seasons are lengthening, hurricanes are becoming stronger, and coastal flooding is increasing. These climate-amplified hazards often disproportionately affect lower-income communities since they lack the means necessary to adapt to climate change. In 2021, climate disasters are a call for us to look at disasters and disaster adaptation within the context of a changing climate.
"From space we can view the Earth as a whole system, observe the net results of complex interactions, and begin to understand how the planet is changing in response to natural and human influences."
Play the video to see how Earth's temperature has changed from 1880 to 2021.
Visit NASA's global climate change website for more information and resources on climate change.
Supporting Disaster Response in 2021
When disasters strike, NASA’s Disasters program area provides affected communities with critical imagery, data, and analysis. While NASA is not an operational response agency, we have access to resources, relationships, and scientific expertise that can save lives. Once weather forecasts identify a potential disaster, our team reaches out to our network of partners to determine what resources may be available to support disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery. Next, our team coordinates a flow of information between NASA experts and local response agencies to aid them in making real-time decisions that mitigate disaster impact.
Learn about some of the disaster response efforts NASA supported in 2021 below.
Midwest U.S. Tornado Outbreak
Mt. Semeru Eruption
Pacific NW Flooding & Landslides
California Oil Spill
La Palma Eruption
Hurricane Ida
Haiti Earthquake, Landslides, & Flooding
Peru Earthquake
Taal Volcanic Eruption
Tropical Storm Elsa
Mt. Nyiragongo Eruption
Nepal Landslides and Floods
Laos Flooding June
Guyana Floods
Cyclone Tauktae
St. Vincent & Martinique Volcanic Activity
Piney Point Florida Wastewater Leak
Australia Floods
Guatemala Volcanic Activity
Midwest U.S. Tornado Outbreak
The NASA Disasters program is working closely with stakeholders from FEMA and the National Weather Service (NWS), helping integrate satellite observations of the storms into their mapping portals. Day-night-band data from the NASA / NOAA Suomi-NPP satellite are also being used to aid in identifying power outages. Data are also being shared on the NASA Disasters Mapping Portal .
Mt. Semeru Eruption
The Disasters program is supporting stakeholders from the USGS Volcano Disasters Assistance Program ( VDAP ), who are coordinating with local disaster response agencies in Indonesia. The program is also investigating satellite-based rainfall estimates to determine potential connections with recent heavy rainfall in the region, and monitoring “hot spots” to look out for potential further volcanic activity.
Pacific NW Flooding & Landslides
The Disasters program worked with representatives from BGC Engineering , an Earth science consulting firm that works closely with the Canadian government, to identify and supply data for flood extent and flood depth using satellite optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) observations. The teams also looked for regions with landslides that have not yet been identified, and investigated the potential for future impacts should additional rainfall hit the region in the coming weeks.
California Oil Spill
The Disasters program activated to determine what NASA resources and capabilities may be available to support recovery efforts. The program actively collaborated with NOAA , who worked with a variety of agencies and organizations to support the damage assessment and response communities .
La Palma Eruption
The Disasters program area activated efforts to monitor the eruption and provide Earth-observing data and analysis in support of risk reduction and recovery for the eruption. The program was in contact with colleagues from the Instituto Geologico y Minero de Espana ( IGME ) and the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris ( IPGP ) to share knowledge and data for situational awareness.
Hurricane Ida
The Disasters program area activated efforts to monitor the storm and its impacts and is providing Earth-observing data, maps and analysis to aid response and recovery efforts. The program participated in coordination calls with FEMA and worked to identify and support other stakeholders including U.S. Army North and officials from states in the path of the storm.
Haiti Earthquake, Landslides, & Flooding
The Disasters program area has activated to provide Earth-observing maps, data and analysis to support local response and recovery efforts. The Program worked to identify humanitarian, infrastructure, and economic impacts, as well as opportunities to advance scientific knowledge.
Peru Earthquake
The Disasters program activated in support of the event and determined what NASA resources and capabilities may be available to aid response and recovery. Responding to a request from the Space Agency of Peru ( CONIDA ), NASA's Advanced Rapid Imaging and Analysis ( ARIA ) team produced damage proxy maps (DPMs) showing likely damage to the area from the earthquake.
Taal Volcanic Eruption
The Disasters program activated efforts to monitor Taal Volcano in July for air quality concerns, surface deformation, or any signs that could indicate the potential for a larger eruption. The program worked with the USGS Volcano Disaster Assistance Program, which supported regional stakeholders.
Tropical Storm Elsa
The Disasters program worked with the North Carolina Emergency Management Agency (EMA) to help identify pre- and post-event optical satellite imagery for flood monitoring, and stood ready to assist other regional stakeholders and partners with Earth-observing data and analysis to aid response and recovery efforts, both in the U.S. and the Caribbean islands impacted by Elsa.
Mt. Nyiragongo Eruption
The Disasters program responded to a request for assistance from Geoscience Australia on behalf of Rwanda, to aid in interferometric analysis of ESA Sentinel-1 satellite data, and monitoring methane emissions that had been reported at Lake Kivu.
Nepal Landslides and Floods
The NASA Earth Applied Sciences Disasters program area activated efforts to monitor the flooding and landslides in Nepal using Earth-observing data to assist in risk reduction, response, and recovery efforts. The program established a Core Team that met on June 23 to respond to imagery requests from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development ( ICIMOD ).
Laos Flooding June
On June 15, the United Nations World Food Programme ( WFP ) requested a Flood Proxy Map for areas of Laos impacted by the flooding. The Disasters program activated efforts to determine NASA resources and capabilities available in support of the event.
Guyana Floods
The Disasters program responded to a request for assistance from the Guyana Civil Defence Commission. The program, in conjunction with the Alaska Satellite Facility, produced flood extent maps of the region using ESA Sentinel-1 satellite data, in order to provide an understanding of the extent of flooding and support situational awareness.
Cyclone Tauktae
The Disasters program activated for Cyclone Tauktae and monitored the situation to identify potential stakeholders and determine what NASA resources and capabilities may be available to support response and recovery for the event.
St. Vincent & Martinique Volcanic Activity
The Disasters program worked closely with regional stakeholders and volcano research organizations including the SRC, the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris, France ( IPGP ), the Montserrat Volcano Observatory ( MVO ), and the NASA Socioeconomic and Data and Applications Center ( SEDAC ). The Disasters program area was also in contact with the Pan American Health Organization ( PAHO ) and USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance .
Piney Point Florida Wastewater Leak
The Disasters program coordinators across the U.S. mobilized to explore, assess and identify Earth-observation assets and data – including satellites, airborne, models, experts and partnerships – that might provide the most benefit to the wastewater leak. The program engaged with relevant researchers, contacts, and global and local stakeholders seeking innovative solutions, whether those solutions are available from NASA or via the agency’s extensive and worldwide research community.
Australia Floods
The Disasters program assessed the impact of the floods by developing maps and other data products, and reaching out to regional stakeholders to assess needs, identify potential areas of collaboration, and demonstrate the capabilities of remote sensing and its application to flooding events.
Guatemala Volcanic Activity
The Disasters program activated to aid risk reduction efforts for these eruptions, responding to a request for assistance from the Coordination Center for Disaster Prevention in Central America and the Dominican Republic ( CEPREDENAC ), and working closely with local stakeholders including INSIVUMEH. The Program is working to identify and analyze Earth-observing data to aid in monitoring the lava flow in the Pacaya volcano, and surface changes of the volcanoes, as well as temperature changes and other relevant data for remotely monitoring the threat.
The NASA Disasters Program
When you hear NASA, you likely think of space exploration, black holes, or Mars - so, why is America's space agency looking at disasters?
Disasters result from complex interactions among our planet's air, water, land, ice, and life. From space, NASA's fleet of satellites can achieve a more 'zoomed out' perspective of our planet, studying Earth's smaller processes holistically rather than in isolation. This perspective allows for improved scientific understanding of how natural hazards form and become disasters.
By sponsoring application science and fostering domestic and international partnerships, the Disasters program seeks to enable resilient communities in advance of disasters, and use Earth observation data to aid decision-making when disasters strike.
Interested in staying up-to-date on the Disasters program's activities? The Disasters communications team just launched the program's first newsletter this year. Click here to sign up for the newsletter.
Applying Disaster Research
We sponsor 10 projects that support disaster risk reduction, response, and recovery through our NASA Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Science (ROSES) program. Each of these ROSES projects uses NASA Earth-observing data to come up with solutions to real-world disaster problems.
In 2021, the leaders of these 10 projects worked with the program and each other to see where their work might align and where they might accomplish larger goals together.
Keep scrolling to see the projects that the Disasters program is sponsoring now.
NASA Disasters ROSES Projects
Working Together in 2021
We bridge the gap between those who generate the data and those who put it to use on the ground by building relationships with local, state, federal and international institutions. As a result, we are always looking to create new partnerships with like-minded organizations.
Here are a few notable collaborations from 2021:
"It's not about what individuals, projects, or organizations do alone, it's about what we can accomplish together." - David Green, NASA Disasters Program Manager
Putting It All Together
The NASA Disasters Mapping Portal is a powerful online interface for viewing, analyzing, and downloading the latest near real-time and disaster-specific products in a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) format. This interface is where the science comes together and meets the public. What do you need to view the mapping portal? Nothing more than a device with internet access.
Scroll down to see how our interactive mapping portal could help you.
NASA Disasters Mapping Portal
Inspiring Future Scientists
NASA Disasters aims to get people of all ages and scientific backgrounds interested in disaster resilience. We accomplish this goal by creating opportunities for younger generations to engage with NASA data and resources.
Here are some of the ways that students and educators used NASA resources in 2021:
Colombia and NASA Mapathon
The District University of Bogotá teamed up with NASA’s Disasters Program to host an interagency mapathon . During the event, 45 university students used NASA data to generate nine final products for informing land use planning and disaster risk reduction in some of Colombia's most vulnerable municipalities.
Galápagos Infinito
Galápagos Infinito is an educational program that promotes a deeper understanding of the region's environment and culture among 11-12-year-old inhabitants of the islands. More than 500 Galápagos Infinito students had the opportunity to explore local data from the NASA Disasters Mapping Portal .
NASA DEVELOP
This past summer, two of DEVELOP 's research projects focused on the impacts of disasters on vulnerable communities in the Midwest. Their work demonstrates how interns can use NASA resources to further the Disasters program’s goal to foster global disaster resilience.
Project Atmosphere
The NASA Disasters program took part in Project Atmosphere , a course designed to share the latest atmospheric resources and information with science teachers. Participants use the training to expand their knowledge on a subject, update their curriculum for the upcoming school year, and even connect with other bright science educators.
"These teachers work to excite as they educate the next generation of scientists throughout the country.” - Louis Uccellini, Director of the National Weather Service
Looking Toward the Future
As scientists deliver stark warnings on the deepening climate crisis, people worldwide will turn toward NASA’s Earth-observing fleet of satellites for guidance. 2021 may be coming to a close, but we are looking to 2022 to be a year of community adaptation and perseverance. The NASA Disasters program is dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to ensure local, regional, and national preparation in the face of climate disasters.
Keep scrolling to see some of the ways that NASA is preparing for the future of disaster resilience.
Landsat 9: Extending a Nearly 50-Year Legacy of Observing Our Home
In Sept. 2021, NASA launched its latest satellite - Landsat 9. While the Earth continues to warm, the ability to measure changes in global land surface is becoming more crucial than ever. The expanded Landsat program will help users make climate-smart land-use and infrastructure decisions – decisions that could mean the difference between their communities coping and thriving.
NISAR: Providing an Unprecedented, Detailed View of Earth
In Jan. 2023, NASA will launch its first-ever NISAR satellite. NISAR is a joint Earth-observing mission between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). It will be the first radar of its kind in space to systematically map Earth, using two different radar frequencies to measure changes in our planet's surface less than a centimeter across.
TROPICS: Improving our Understanding of Tropical Cyclones
In 2022, the TROPICS constellation will orbit Earth in three planes, collecting temperature, water vapor, precipitation, and cloud ice measurements on a frequent, near-global scale to study storms and other meteorological events. The idea is that multiple satellites in spread out orbits will collect more frequent measurements around the globe, allowing scientists to study storms as they develop and then use the newly-acquired knowledge to improve forecasting capabilities.
"We're not going to stop seeking a better life here on Earth." -Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator
