ICEO & SI 2024 Chairman

Dear Esteemed Colleagues:

As the chair organizer of the 13th International Conference on Earth Observations and Societal Impacts with the jointed IAG'i (International Association of Geo-informatics), it is my distinct pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to all of you. We are truly honored to host this esteemed gathering at National Central University, and I hope that during your time here, you will forge new partnerships, engage in stimulating discussions, and lay the groundwork for future scientific collaborations.

The evolution of human civilization has greatly benefited from the Earth's environment, enabling us to develop advanced technologies and sophisticated societies. However, our quest to meet the ever-growing demand for energy has also driven us to contribute to the greenhouse effect, leading to environmental degradation. The challenge we face today is to prevent our advanced civilization from destabilizing the very Earth system that sustains it. This necessitates accelerated progress in science and technology, which is precisely why this conference on Earth Observation is of paramount importance.

The theme of this conference, Earth Observation, plays a pivotal role in the study of climate change and environmental science. Our objective is to not only deepen our understanding of the Earth's systems but also to foster a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can be developed to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

This year, in addition to our regular topics, we have the privilege of featuring a special segment on arctic science. We have invited experts from arctic research teams to share their latest plans and advancements. Polar science in Taiwan is in its nascent stages, and this conference serves as a vital platform for the Taiwanese polar science integration team to engage and exchange ideas with international experts. Furthermore, we are excited to highlight Taiwan's recent advancements in satellite remote sensing technology. The Triton satellite mission team will present their latest achievements in utilizing GNSS-Reflectometry for monitoring ocean waves and wind speeds. This cutting-edge technology promises to enhance our capabilities in observing and understanding marine environments.

Coastal monitoring and management have also emerged as critical areas of interest in recent years. The sessions dedicated to this topic will showcase the latest research and strategies for managing coastal zones, which are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

This conference would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our organizing committee, volunteers, and sponsors. I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of them for their unwavering support and commitment. In conclusion, I wish you all a productive and enriching conference experience. May this gathering inspire innovative ideas, foster meaningful collaborations, and contribute significantly to the advancement of Earth observation sciences. Together, let us work towards a sustainable future where science and technology are leveraged to safeguard our planet for future generations. Welcome to the ICEO&SI 2024. Let the exchange of knowledge and ideas begin!

Sincerely,

Hwa CHIEN
Distinguished Professor of Institute of Hydrological and Oceanic Sciences, National Central University, and
Organizer, 13th International Conference of Earth Observation and Social Impact
National Central University