It is time to recognise the singular benefit to society of the International Disaster Charter for its environmental action and bridging the political divide through shared space based services for the benefit of humanity. It would be a fitting recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Charter is a worldwide collaboration of national space agencies and related organisations, through which satellite data is made available for the benefit of disaster management. By combining Earth observation assets from different space agencies, the Charter allows resources and expertise to be coordinated for rapid response to major disaster situations; thereby helping civil protection authorities and the international humanitarian community. Importantly this action saves lives. Uniquely it includes USA, Europe, India, Japan, Russia and China - a political space powerhouse that overcome differences in support of humanity. A “global good”.

This unique initiative is able to mobilise agencies around the world and benefit from their know-how and their satellites through a single access point that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and at no cost to the user. It’s use is free through the goodwill of the international members and has now saved countless lives and improved response to these damaging disasters.

Furthermore it works with national civil protection agencies to train their staff in developing local responses for satellite maps and imagery.