Celebrate Earth Day with NASA’s World-Wide View of Our Changing Climate Live Shots
Released on April 19, 2021
Most people know NASA as the forefront of space exploration, from landing robots on Mars to sending humans into space. But did you know that one of NASA’s biggest fields of study is planet Earth? Studying Earth’s land, sea and air not only refines the spacecraft that we send to space, it also tells us an incredible amount about our home planet. From the International Space Station to NASA’s Earth observing satellites, NASA instruments create a continuous data record that track global changes over time. Coupled with observations from the air, sea and land, these records are used across the globe in myriad ways, from improving the planting of crops to understanding the impacts of sea level rise.
NASA experts are available virtually for live or taped interviews on Thursday, April 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EDT to share with your viewers how they can celebrate with NASA’s Earth Day activities and explain NASA’s role in studying Earth.
**Please note: requests received after 5:00 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 21 may not be accommodated.
Interviews will be conducted using video chat programs including Zoom and Skype, in 15-minute slots. For example 600-615 ET, 615-630 EDT, etc. Our preferred program is Zoom and stations will have to send us a Zoom link to use. Satellite interviews are not available. Please do not use an IFB unless necessary.
*Spanish Interviews are available*
Participating Scientists/Engineers: Karen St. Germain, Earth Science Division Director Douglas Terrier, Chief Technologist Doug Morton, Chief of the Biospheric Sciences Laboratory Liz Hoy, Senior Support Scientist Lesley Ott, Climate Scientist John Bolten, Physical Research Scientist Ivona Cetinić, Oceanographer Rachel Tilling, Research Scientist Denis Felikson, Research Scientist Matt Rodell, Acting Deputy Director of Earth Sciences for Hydrosphere, Biosphere, and Geophysics Bridget Seegers, Research Scientist Sandra Cauffman, Deputy Director, Earth Science Division [Interviews in Spanish] Alfonso Delgado-Bonal, Associate Scientist [Interviews in Spanish] Erika Podest, Scientist [Interviews in Spanish]
Suggested Questions: 1. When most people think of NASA, they might think of space exploration. What is NASA’s connection to Earth Day? 2. NASA will launch a crew to the International Space Station tomorrow morning. What are some of the missions and instruments on the International Space Station that benefit Earth? 3. Climate change is one of the major issues of our generation. What has studying Earth from space taught us about climate change? 4. How does climate change impact* [*Please select the question that you believe will hold the most interest for your viewers.]
Hurricane trends after the record-breaking 30 named storms last year?
Wildfires?
Sea level rise?
Floods and droughts?
General weather trends that impact viewers all over the country?
5. One of NASA’s longest running Earth science missions, Landsat, is launching a new satellite later this year. Can you tell us a little bit more about this mission? 6. Where can people learn more about NASA Earth Day activities?
Longer Interview Questions: 1. NASA also observes Earth from a bit closer to the ground. Can you talk about some of your field and airborne campaigns? 2. NASA has started a recent “Grow to Launch” campaign. What is that campaign and how can people get involved?
Suggested Anchor Intro:
“WHEN YOU THINK OF NASA, YOU MIGHT THINK OF ROCKETS LAUNCHING TO ANOTHER PLANET AND HUMANS WALKING ON THE MOON. BUT NASA ACTUALLY HAS A VARIETY OF MISSIONS THAT FOCUS ON STUDYING CHANGES ON EARTH, FROM SEA LEVEL RISE TO HURRICANES. HERE TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH US IS NASA….”