Breakout Session IV: Applying Remote Sensing Observations to Impacts Assessment Background (1) The IPCC WG 2 Report (2008) “Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability”, Characterizes current knowledge, perspectives, and future needs based on assessments. IPCC assessments use scenarios based on 3 axes; two spatial and one cross- scale economic: Global, Regional, and Economic Factors: Climate Scenarios; non-climate drivers (socio-economic driven changes in land use and resource use), mitigation and stabilization, Abrupt climate change. Sectors: Freshwater; Ecosystems; Food, Fiber, & Forest Products; Coastal Systems and Low Lying Areas; Industry, Settlement & Society; and Public Health

Breakout Session IV: Applying Remote Sensing Observations to Impacts Assessment Background (2) IPCC WG2 Future Research Needs – Climate Modeling that elucidates the nature of future changes at regional scale. Especially precipitation, hydrological consequences. – Understanding regional effects of abrupt climate change events. – Monitoring: Long-term field data collection on managed and un-managed systems and human activities. (Can remote sensing data augment this activity?) – Ability to integrate multiple stressors for vulnerability assessment. – Adaptation to environmental changes – Costs of adaptation/mitigation

Breakout Session IV: Applying Remote Sensing Observations to Impacts Assessment Improve global scale models to better represent manifestations at regional scales. Develop regional scale models capable of using higher temporal and spatial resolution data for: – Differentiating between long term trends and cyclic variability. – Linking processes between system (e.g., land and coastal marine environments). Need new generation of ecosystem modeling capable of mapping and monitoring ecosystems disturbances. What Research can we conduct to better address the impact and consequences of climate change?

Develop coordinated interactions with long-term field data collection programs. Review current and planned suite of satellite assets for addressing impact oriented issues. Improvement/development of algorithms on a regional scale (e.g., coastal oceans). Develop coordinated observational strategies useful for regional scale models and scenarios including; in situ sensors, aircraft (UAV) sensing, satellite systems with higher spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution (e.g., Geostationary). Breakout Session IV: Applying Remote Sensing Observations to Impacts Assessment What actions would be most useful to or supportive of future assessments?

Breakout Session IV: Applying Remote Sensing Observations to Impacts Assessment Missions with adequate temporal, spatial, and spectral resolution for addressing regional scale processes. – e.g., Landsat constellation to increase temporal coverage. Coordination/collaboration with agencies doing complimentary research and data collection. Outreach to policy and decision makers, particularly regarding potential adaptation and mitigation strategies. What are the greatest challenges and opportunities?