The first photograph of the whole planet Earth, taken on November 10, 1967, is said to have had a profound effect on human consciousness. Seeing the planet as a whole for the first time engendered a motivating “Save the Planet” feeling in many.
The finite boundaries of our planet, surrounded by the inhospitable vacuum of space, illustrated the limited resources that we have to work with. From this image the idea of Earth Day was formed and many ecological movements sprung forth.
Since then, the power of planetary visualization has helped us realize the dangers humans pose to our planet. One example is the ozone hole that was discovered and identified in the early 80′s. This discovery and the role that man made chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) played led to government action and the elimination CFCs by the late 90s. As a result ozone depletion was reversed and the ozone hole has gotten much smaller.
Today’s global visualization tools (Google Earth, Virtual Earth, ArcGIS Explorer, NASA Worldwind) provide a means for each of us to visualize, explore and analyze our planet. These tools further our global consciousness, and have the power to affect change.
The fortieth anniversary of that first image is fast approaching. I think it’s fitting that the anniversary falls one day prior to Geography Awareness Week (Nov. 12-18). Perhaps its an opportunity to mark that milestone and reflect on what we have achieved from our planetary awareness as well as discuss the planetary challenges that lie ahead.
