NASA satellites would play a key role in the prevention, detection and treatment of diseases related to climate change.
This is a subject of study for the experts of Division of Earth Science of NASA, which was discussed at the National Medical Congress.
On this specific topic, the Costa Rican engineer Sandra Kauffman, deputy director of said Division, explained that the information provided by satellites will allow to locate the sites most prone to the action of mosquitoes transmitting dengue, malaria and yellow fiber after a flood.
According to her, these data are vital for the decision making of governments after such an episode.
People are not aware that NASA has this information and can ask for it at no cost,”
said Kauffman.
The engineer explained that climate change influences the development of diseases. For example, deforestation has caused many animals to migrate to urban areas so many of their diseases now also attack humans. Another consequence is related to dust particles that can penetrate the lungs and cause from asthma to cancer.
Having satellite data helps us understand the impact of humans on Earth and the effects (…) We are always measuring those things, every day, at all times,”
said Kauffman.